Spotlight on Local Japan
Promote your region’s culture at Japan House London
We are now welcoming applications for our FY 2027 Spotlight on Local Japan Programme.
Applications open: 26 May – 30 November 2026
What is Spotlight on Local Japan?
Organized by Japan House London with support from the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), this programme invites proposals for cultural and educational events – including talks, demonstrations, performances, and workshops – that highlight lesser-known aspects of Japan’s diverse regions.
The programme welcomes ideas across a wide range of fields including art, craft, design, food, innovation, and technology.
Selected events will be co-hosted with Japan House London and held in our central London venue. The Japan House London team will work closely with successful applicants to shape, co-curate and promote each event for maximum impact with UK audiences.
Programme details
1. Eligibility
Who can apply?
Proposals are welcome from a wide range of organizations including Japanese local governments, tourism associations, destination management organizations (DMOs) and private companies. Applications from individuals will also be considered.
A representative of the applicant should be prepared to visit the UK to administer the event at Japan House London rather than outsourcing this responsibility to a third party.
What types of events are eligible?
Cultural and educational events (e.g., talks, demonstrations, performances, workshops) which highlight lesser-known aspects of Japan’s regions in diverse fields such as art, craft, design, manufacturing, food, innovation and technology.
Events should be scheduled to take place during FY 2027 (April 2027 – March 2028). In some cases, earlier scheduling within FY 2026 may be possible.
Priority will be given to proposals that meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Events that focus on a specific topic, rather than general content such as ‘tourist attractions of a certain region’.
- Events that promote a deeper understanding of the richness and diversity of Japanese cultures.
- Events that present aspects of Japan that may surprise even those familiar with the country, including Japanese people.
- Proposals that include not only a presentation but also other dynamic content such as a demonstration, performance or interactive workshop.
2. What we offer
Successful applicants will receive a range of support for their event from Japan House London including:
- Use of Japan House London’s event spaces – Free use of the Hall and other available event spaces
- Co-curation – Japan House London will work closely with each applicant to shape and refine the event content for a UK audience
- Promotion – Japan House London will promote the event via its website, social media, newsletter, and media outreach, using a range of content including text, images, and video. To support this, we ask successful applicants to provide relevant materials related to the event’s theme and region.
- Event management and technical support – On-the-day coordination, A/V setup, and logistical support from Japan House London’s experienced events team
- Livestreaming – Where feasible, certain events may be livestreamed via Japan House London’s online channels to reach wider audiences
In addition, the JNTO London office can support by publicizing the event through its website, newsletter and social medial channels, and providing advice on how to effectively promote regional tourism to UK audiences.
3. Costs
As selected events will be co-organized with Japan House London, in principle no fees will be charged for the use of Japan House London event spaces (except for AKIRA Restaurant) and equipment.
Other costs, such as travel to the UK, interpretation services, accommodation in London, and procurement of goods and additional equipment from third parties, will generally be borne by the applicant. Japan House London can provide local advice to successful applicants to help manage these logistical aspects.
4. How to apply
Click here to download the Application Form and apply. Applications can be submitted in either Japanese or English.
Application period:
26 May 2026 – 30 November 2026
Event implementation period:
Events will be scheduled during FY 2027 (April 2027 – March 2028).
Please note that some events may be considered for an earlier date in FY 2026, depending on circumstances
Notification of results:
Applicants will be notified of the outcome by email from January 2027 onwards. If there is a possibility of holding the event within FY 2026, we will contact you accordingly.
*Please note: Japan House London may contact applicants for clarification before a final decision is made.
Event Spaces
Events held as part of the Spotlight on Local Japan Programme will typically be held in Japan House London’s Hall, with alternative spaces such as the Library available depending on the nature of the event.
The Hall
The Hall: a gallery of 2 items.
Located on the Lower Ground Floor, the Hall is a versatile, multi-purpose space with retractable tiered seating, suitable for various events including talks, workshops, performances and demonstrations.
Space dimensions: 15 x 9.8 m
Ceiling height: 3.15 m
Capacity: Up to 130 (theatre style)
Basic equipment available:
- Projector – Panasonic UHD 4K
- Presentation clicker
- Microphones (lapel or wireless handheld)
- Standard event furniture: optional use of retractable tiered seating, chairs and tables, modular stage blocks, etc.
The Library
The Library: a gallery of 2 items.
The Library features carefully curated, thought-provoking book displays. As an event space it is suitable for smaller events such as workshops and intimate talks.
Space Dimensions: 6 x 3.7 m
Capacity: 12 (boardroom style/workshop), 24 (theatre style)
Basic Equipment Available:
- 84” Panasonic UHD 4K TV
- Presentation clicker
- Standard event furniture: chairs and tables, etc.
Please note: the use of Japan House London facilities and equipment is subject to availability as they may be in use for other events.
Past events
Please refer to the links below for details of events held during FY 2025:
Sendai tansu / samurai chests (Miyagi Prefecture)
17–19 July 2025
Talk: The story of Sendai tansu
Talk & Demonstration: The making of Sendai tansu
Demonstration: Meet the makers
Workshop: Sendai tansu metal embossing experience
A gallery of 4 items.
Kagoshima’s Satsuma Students: 160 years since their pioneering journey to the UK (Kagoshima Prefecture)
23 July 2025
A gallery of 2 items.
Nadagogō: sake tradition and innovation in Hyōgo (Hyōgo Prefecture)
13–15 November 2025
Talk & Demonstration: Nadagogō: sake tradition and innovation in Hyōgo
Talk & Demonstration: Tools of the trade: woodworking craftsmanship and sake in Nadagogō
Talk & Demonstration: Rhythms of brewing: sake culture and song in Nadagogō
A gallery of 2 items.
A gallery of 2 items.
The enduring craft of Wajima lacquerware (Ishikawa Prefecture)
3, 5 and 6 March 2026
Workshop: Repairing with gold – kintsugi workshop with Hakose Junichi
A gallery of 3 items.
Upcoming events
Events planned for FY 2026 cover the following themes:
- Karakuri mechanical dolls from Aichi Prefecture
- Matsumoto Castle in Matsumoto, Nagoya Prefecture, and the region’s oshie-bina dolls and craftsmanship
- The Shikinen Sengū ceremony and Okihiki festival at Ise Grand Shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture
- The making of shimenawa ropes in the Takachiho region of Miyazaki Prefecture
Terms and conditions
- The decision of Japan House London regarding which events to implement is final.
- We regret that we cannot provide feedback on unsuccessful applications.
- Event details will be finalized in discussions between Japan House London and successful applicants and may differ from initial proposals.
- Japan House London reserves the right to withdraw from a project if implementation is deemed unfeasible after further discussions.
- All selected events will be co-organized with Japan House London and held in collaboration with JNTO London.
- Japan House London is permitted to take photographs and make a recording of events held as part of this programme. These materials may be used for non-commercial purposes including publication on Japan House London’s website and social media channels, and display at Japan House London.
- Public dissemination of information about successful events should not occur without mutual agreement between Japan House London and the successful applicants.
- Full terms and conditions will be shared with successful applicants and must be agreed upon before planning begins.
Handling of personal information
To facilitate the administration and delivery of this programme, Japan House London may collect and use personal information from applicants through the receipt of application forms and other communications. This information may be shared with the JNTO London office to support the programme’s implementation.
For more details, please refer to the to the respective privacy policies of Japan House London and JNTO London Office.
Contact us
If you have any questions about the application process or your eligibility, please contact us at