I will be participating in the DJG Neujahr Festival Bielefeld, organized by the Deutsch-Japanische Gesellschaft Bielefeld e.V., as an exhibitor and speaker. The festival is a public Japanese New Year event that brings together people interested in Japanese culture, food, tea, craftsmanship, and cultural exchange in Germany.

The DJG Neujahr Festival is known for its welcoming atmosphere and diverse program, making it an ideal place to experience traditional and contemporary aspects of Japanese culture.

Handmade Japanese Wagashi Exhibition

At my exhibitor table, visitors will have the opportunity to discover handmade Japanese confectionery (wagashi). Wagashi are traditional Japanese sweets that reflect the seasons and are closely connected to Japanese aesthetics and craftsmanship.
I will introduce different types of wagashi, explain their ingredients, and share insights into how they are traditionally enjoyed throughout the year.

The exhibition focuses on wagashi not only as sweets, but as a cultural expression that combines taste, visual design, and seasonality.

Presentation on Wagashi and Japanese Tea Culture

In addition to the exhibition, I will give a presentation on Japanese sweets (wagashi) and Japanese tea culture. The talk will explore the relationship between wagashi and tea, including their role in seasonal celebrations and everyday life in Japan.

The presentation will also touch on how wagashi and tea are enjoyed today, both in Japan and internationally. An informal Q&A session will follow, allowing visitors to ask questions and engage in discussion.

About the DJG Neujahr Festival Bielefeld

The DJG Neujahr Festival Bielefeld is an annual Japanese New Year celebration featuring exhibitions, performances, food, tea, workshops, and cultural talks. The event is open to the public and welcomes anyone interested in Japan, Japanese traditions, and German-Japanese cultural exchange.