Japanese Culture Events in Moscow Draw Thousands of Visitors

This autumn, a series of Japan-themed events were held in Moscow, drawing large crowds. Even as government-to-government relations have deteriorated to historic lows following the invasion of Ukraine, the events showed that Japanese culture continues to captivate many in Russia.

Ikebana and Calligraphy

On September 24, a section of the All-Russian Museum of Decorative, Applied, and Folk Art in Moscow was transformed with displays of ikebana (Japanese flower arranging) and calligraphy.

The five-day exhibition was organized by disciples of Midori Yamada, who led the Ikenobo school of ikebana for the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). Yamada had taught ikebana, tea ceremony, dance, and other traditional Japanese arts in Russia for more than 30 years before passing away in 2023 at the age of 87.

Banenkova, one of Yamada's top disciples and a co-organizer of the exhibition, recalled, "There are many specialists in individual art forms, but no one like Yamada-sensei, who mastered so many aspects of Japanese culture. Continuing this exhibition was her wish. Through it, we feel she is still with us."

'Peace Begins From Within'

A friend of one of Yamada's disciples who attended the exhibition was visibly moved. "I felt that the small ikebana arrangements expressed the grandeur of nature," she said.

Displayed alongside photos of Yamada were her words: "My wish is for people to live in harmony with themselves and with nature. Peace in the world begins from within."

In Russia, where anti-war statements have been banned since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, her words were seen as a subtle message of peace conveyed through her disciples.

Russia has long shown a strong interest in Japanese culture. Many universities offer Japanese studies programs, and there are numerous dojos for karate, judo, and aikido. Bookstores sell translated manga and anime merchandise, and Japanese cars remain popular.

Record Visitor Numbers

According to the Embassy of Japan in Russia, roughly 3,000 Japanese lived in the country before the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. That number has since dropped to around 1,000. Despite this decline, Russian interest in Japan remains strong. 

The Embassy reports that from January to September 2025, approximately 130,000 Russians visited Japan, surpassing the previous record of about 120,000 in 2019. The total for the year is expected to reach around 160,000. Unlike many Western countries, Japan has not restricted visa issuance for Russians, helping to drive the increase in visitors.

A Russian expert on Japan-Russia relations explained, "Russians generally admire Japan and the Japanese people. They see how Japan became an economic powerhouse despite losing World War II, following its earlier victory in the Russo-Japanese War. Unlike with Western countries, Russians do not harbor feelings of hostility toward Japan."

Power of Pop Culture

High interest in Japan was also evident at Hinode Japan, a Japan-themed event held in Moscow on October 18–19. Launched in 2012, the event is now in its 13th edition.

Compared to The Beauty of Japan exhibition, Hinode Japan focuses more on pop culture, featuring cosplay contests and anime merchandise sales. Around 8,000 people attended over the two days.

The event included a sumo demonstration by former wrestler Toyonoshima Daiki. Other guests included voice actress and singer Aya Hirano and the comedy trio Bicsmalln, who performed live shows. Long lines formed for autograph sessions.

Rita, 26, attending in cosplay, said, "The government and the people are separate. Cosplay lets me express myself. I love everything about Japanese culture — it's all so cute."

Opportunities for Cultural Exchange

Attendees also enjoyed activities such as kendama, paper sumo, and Japanese-style mahjong, with many participating with serious concentration. Sirotkin, 25, who has played mahjong for over five years, said, "I learned the rules online and watch Japanese mahjong shows. I hope to visit a mahjong parlor in Shinjuku someday."

The event was organized by Saison Group, a Japanese company promoting cultural exchange in Russia. Representative Iori Endo emphasized that people-to-people exchanges are especially important now, as official government dialogue remains at a standstill. 

"One of the goals of this event," she said, "is to create opportunities for the next generation, who will shape future Japan-Russia relations. I hope that grassroots exchanges will have positive effects in other areas as well."

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(Read the article in Japanese.)

Author: Yuichi Onoda, The Sankei Shimbun