CJC events calendar

Events

CJC regularly holds and sponsors events that bring members and the wider community together to enjoy Japanese culture. We also highlight local events that may interest CJC members.

Community organizers are welcome to request a listing for an event relevant to Canberra’s Japanese community by emailing details to [email protected] for consideration.

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September 2026

Event of interest Public welcome

Rock at the Roadside

We are delighted to celebrate the life of Saeko Ogi a renowned Japanese tanka poet who at the age of 94 continues to create her works and happily resides in Canberra. She has won several cultural awards for her writing here in Australia with recognition from the Japan foundation and Japanese Embassy in Australia. Her recent publication Rock at the Roadside is our reference point.

Date

28 August 2026 – 11 October 2026

Location

Belconnen Arts Centre
118 Emu Bank, Belconnen ACT
Open map ↗

Belco Arts
Event of interest Public welcome

Japan Update 2026

The Australia-Japan Research Centre and the ANU Japan Institute are excited to announce the Japan Update will be held online and in-person on Wednesday 9 September 2026, 9:00am–5:00pm (AEST).

Date

9 September 2026 (Wednesday)

Time

09:00:00–17:00:00

Location

ANU Research School of Physics
60 Mills Road Acton, ACT 2601
Open map ↗

As the 50th anniversary of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between Australia and Japan, this year’s Update will bring together experts from Australia and Japan to provide insights into Japan’s economy, politics and foreign policy, reflect on the state of Japan studies in Australia, and discuss the past and future of the bilateral relationship.
We hope that you can join us in-person for this free fully catered event with opportunities for networking or tune in at any time to the live stream to watch your topics of interest.

Australia-Japan Research Centre
11 Fri Stretching Club 11:00–12:00 CJC Club Members only
Event of interest Public welcome

2026 Immersia: Film Screening – The Making of a Japanese (2023)

The Embassy of Japan in Australia and the Australia-Japan Society (ACT) Inc. present a free screening of the Japanese documentary film The Making of a Japanese (2023), directed by Ema Ryan Yamazaki.

Date

14 September 2026 (Monday)

Time

18:00:00–20:00:00

Location

Hedley Bull Theatre 1, Hedley Bull Building
HC Coombs Building, Buildling/130 Garran Rd, Acton ACT 2601, Australia
Open map ↗

The Embassy of Japan in Australia and the Australia-Japan Society (ACT) Inc. present a free screening of the Japanese documentary film The Making of a Japanese (2023), directed by Ema Ryan Yamazaki.
This screening is part of the celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between Japan and Australia, with the support of JFF Theater and the Japan Foundation.
The information booth will open at 17:30 outside the theatre, and AJS members who have taught in Japanese schools will give a contextual explanation before the screening.
For more details about the film, please see the official website (Japanese only).

Embassy of Japan in Australia & Australia-Japan Society (ACT)
Today · 24 September 2026
25 Fri Stretching Club 11:00–12:00 CJC Club Members only
Event of interest Public welcome

Japanese Film Festival

A celebration of Japanese cinema in Canberra from 26 September to 13 October.

Date

26 September 2026 – 13 October 2026

Location

Palace Electric Cinema & National Film and Sound Archive, Canberra

A celebration of Japanese cinema with films sscreening in Canberra from 26 September to 13 October 2026.

The Japan Foundation, Sydney
CJC Club Members only

Janyukai Mahjong Club

A welcoming monthly mahjong session for beginners and experienced players.

Date

26 September 2026 (Saturday)

Time

13:00–16:30

A welcoming monthly mahjong session for beginners and experienced players.

October 2026

Event of interest Public welcome

The Goulburn Sogetsu Ikebana Community Exhibition

As part of Lilac City Festival 2026 : EMBRACING FRIENDSHIP an exhibition of Sogetsu ikebana.

Date

2 October 2026 – 4 October 2026

Location

Goulburn Performing Arts Centre
163 Auburn St, Goulburn NSW 2580, Australia, Goulburn
Open map ↗

Featuring an array of extraordinary ikebana arrangements by Sogetsu Artists from both Goulburn and further afield. Exploring the theme of “Embracing Friendship” the arrangements will present viewers with a new and different experience of floral art that is not only beautiful but that aims to speak to the soul.

We kick off the exhibition with a special opening event on Friday evening that will be between 6pm and 8pm with the exhibition continuing through Saturday and Sunday 10am to 3pm both days.

At the special opening event you will have a chance to mingle with the Ikebana artists that have created the arrangements and enjoy some wine and nibbles as we launch our exhibition.

Goulburn Sogetsu Ikebana Community
Event of interest Public welcome

The Goulburn Sogetsu Ikebana Community Exhibition

As part of Lilac City Festival 2026 : EMBRACING FRIENDSHIP an exhibition of Sogetsu ikebana.

Date

2 October 2026 – 4 October 2026

Location

Goulburn Performing Arts Centre
163 Auburn St, Goulburn NSW 2580, Australia, Goulburn
Open map ↗

Featuring an array of extraordinary ikebana arrangements by Sogetsu Artists from both Goulburn and further afield. Exploring the theme of “Embracing Friendship” the arrangements will present viewers with a new and different experience of floral art that is not only beautiful but that aims to speak to the soul.

We kick off the exhibition with a special opening event on Friday evening that will be between 6pm and 8pm with the exhibition continuing through Saturday and Sunday 10am to 3pm both days.

At the special opening event you will have a chance to mingle with the Ikebana artists that have created the arrangements and enjoy some wine and nibbles as we launch our exhibition.

Goulburn Sogetsu Ikebana Community
9 Fri Stretching Club 11:00–12:00 CJC Club Members only
Event of interest Public welcome

Rock at the Roadside

We are delighted to celebrate the life of Saeko Ogi a renowned Japanese tanka poet who at the age of 94 continues to create her works and happily resides in Canberra. She has won several cultural awards for her writing here in Australia with recognition from the Japan foundation and Japanese Embassy in Australia. Her recent publication Rock at the Roadside is our reference point.

Date

28 August 2026 – 11 October 2026

Location

Belconnen Arts Centre
118 Emu Bank, Belconnen ACT
Open map ↗

Belco Arts
Event of interest Public welcome

Japanese Film Festival

A celebration of Japanese cinema in Canberra from 26 September to 13 October.

Date

26 September 2026 – 13 October 2026

Location

Palace Electric Cinema & National Film and Sound Archive, Canberra

A celebration of Japanese cinema with films sscreening in Canberra from 26 September to 13 October 2026.

The Japan Foundation, Sydney
Major event CJC event Public welcome

CJC Spring Festival 2026

CJC’s annual spring celebration of Japanese culture and community connection.

Date

18 October 2026 (Sunday)

Time

11:30–14:00

Location

Cook Community Hall
41 Templeton Street, Cook ACT 2614
Open map ↗

CJC’s annual spring celebration of Japanese culture and community connection.
23 Fri Stretching Club 11:00–12:00 CJC Club Members only
Major event Event of interest Public welcome

Canberra Nara Candle Festival

The Canberra Nara Candle Festival has been held annually in Canberra Nara Peace Park since 2003, when a delegation of citizens from Nara participated in an informal ceremony to celebrate the 11th anniversary of the Sister City relationship. This year marks the 33rd anniversary of the sister city relationship.

Date

24 October 2026 (Saturday)

Time

02:32–02:32

Location

Canberra Nara Peace Park, Lennox Gardens, Yarralumla
Flynn Dr, Yarralumla ACT 2600
Open map ↗

The festival is based upon a much larger candle festival held in Nara, known as the 'Toukae', and celebrates Japanese culture while promoting the values of peace and goodwill. Visitors can experience Japanese art, culture, performances and activities for all ages, try delicious Japanese cuisine, and see the park illuminated with 2000 candles.

ACT Government
CJC Club Members only

Janyukai Mahjong Club

A welcoming monthly mahjong session for beginners and experienced players.

Date

24 October 2026 (Saturday)

Time

13:00–16:30

A welcoming monthly mahjong session for beginners and experienced players.

November 2026

13 Fri Stretching Club 11:00–12:00 CJC Club Members only
27 Fri Stretching Club 11:00–12:00 CJC Club Members only
CJC Club Members only

Janyukai Mahjong Club

A welcoming monthly mahjong session for beginners and experienced players.

Date

28 November 2026 (Saturday)

Time

13:00–16:30

A welcoming monthly mahjong session for beginners and experienced players.

December 2026

11 Fri Stretching Club 11:00–12:00 CJC Club Members only
25 Fri Stretching Club 11:00–12:00 CJC Club Members only
CJC Club Members only

Janyukai Mahjong Club

A welcoming monthly mahjong session for beginners and experienced players.

Date

26 December 2026 (Saturday)

Time

13:00–16:30

A welcoming monthly mahjong session for beginners and experienced players.

January 2027

8 Fri Stretching Club 11:00–12:00 CJC Club Members only
22 Fri Stretching Club 11:00–12:00 CJC Club Members only
CJC Club Members only

Janyukai Mahjong Club

A welcoming monthly mahjong session for beginners and experienced players.

Date

23 January 2027 (Saturday)

Time

13:00–16:30

A welcoming monthly mahjong session for beginners and experienced players.

February 2027

12 Fri Stretching Club 11:00–12:00 CJC Club Members only
26 Fri Stretching Club 11:00–12:00 CJC Club Members only
CJC Club Members only

Janyukai Mahjong Club

A welcoming monthly mahjong session for beginners and experienced players.

Date

27 February 2027 (Saturday)

Time

13:00–16:30

A welcoming monthly mahjong session for beginners and experienced players.

March 2027

12 Fri Stretching Club 11:00–12:00 CJC Club Members only
26 Fri Stretching Club 11:00–12:00 CJC Club Members only
CJC Club Members only

Janyukai Mahjong Club

A welcoming monthly mahjong session for beginners and experienced players.

Date

27 March 2027 (Saturday)

Time

13:00–16:30

A welcoming monthly mahjong session for beginners and experienced players.

April 2027

9 Fri Stretching Club 11:00–12:00 CJC Club Members only
23 Fri Stretching Club 11:00–12:00 CJC Club Members only
CJC Club Members only

Janyukai Mahjong Club

A welcoming monthly mahjong session for beginners and experienced players.

Date

24 April 2027 (Saturday)

Time

13:00–16:30

A welcoming monthly mahjong session for beginners and experienced players.

What’s coming up