The Embassy of Japan in T&T

10/08/2026

Japanese Tea Ceremony with Soft Box Gallery

On Saturday, 8 August, Hachidorikai (Japanese Ladies' Association of Trinidad and Tobago) hosted a Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony in collaboration with the Embassy of Japan and Soft Box Gallery.

Guests had the opportunity to participate in an authentic tea ceremony, gaining insight into one of Japan's most cherished cultural traditions, while enjoying matcha and matcha biscuits. The event continued with a matcha whisking workshop, giving participants a hands-on introduction to this traditional practice.

The Embassy extends sincere thanks to Hachidorikai and Soft Box Gallery for their partnership, and remains committed to promoting Japanese traditional culture and fostering closer ties between Japan and Trinidad and Tobago through cultural exchange and public engagement initiatives.

10/08/2026

✨ Heading East by Popular Demand! ✨

We’re excited to bring our Pop-Up Japanese Cultural Workshop to East Gates Mall on Saturday, August 15, 2026, from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM at the Atrium! 🇯🇵✨

✨ Learn the art of Origami
🖌️ Try traditional Japanese Calligraphy
🎉 Free and open to all ages!

This exciting workshop is hosted by the Embassy of Japan in collaboration with The JET Alumni Association of Trinidad & Tobago -JETAATT

Bring your friends and family and join us for another fun afternoon of creativity, culture, and cultural exchange! 🌸

📍 East Gates Mall – Atrium
📅 Saturday, August 15, 2026
⏰ 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

✨ See you there! ✨

08/08/2026

https://www.facebook.com/Mofa.Japan.en/posts/1552670043560422

07/08/2026

04/08/2026

✨🇯🇵 2026 JET Programme Participants Airport Send-Off 🇯🇵✨

The 2026 Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme participants departed Trinidad and Tobago on July 31, 2026, to begin their new roles in Japan as Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) and Cultural Ambassadors. The Embassy of Japan wishes this year's participants from Trinidad & Tobago and St. Lucia every success as they embark on this exciting new chapter. 頑張って!! 🇯🇵🇹🇹🇱🇨

The JET Alumni Association of Trinidad and Tobago (JETAATT) was also at the airport to support sending off the participants.

Follow along over the coming weeks as we feature our 2026 JET participants in our JET Series Introduction posts: https://www.tt.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/jet_program_reports.html

*** Please visit the Embassy of Japan's website for more information on the JET Programme and our activities: https://www.tt.emb-japan.go.jp/itprtop_en/index.html

03/08/2026

Embassy of Japan Hosts Japanese Sake and Washoku Experience at Soft Box Gallery

On July 31, 2026, the Embassy of Japan in collaboration with Soft Box Art Gallery, hosted a Japanese Sake and Washoku Experience, drawing approximately 70 guests at the gallery, for an evening dedicated to Japan's culinary traditions.

Sake is a traditional Japanese alcoholic beverage produced by fermenting steamed rice with, koji (rice mould), and yeast. Crafted by more than 3,000 breweries across Japan, sake is celebrated for its meticulous craftsmanship and its ability to pair exceptionally well with Japanese cuisine. In recognition of its cultural significance, sake production was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2024.

Guests were treated to a premium selection of Japanese sake, paired with an array of traditional Washoku dishes, Japan's traditional dietary culture. Washoku emphasizes the use of fresh, seasonal ingredients, a deep respect for nature, and a balanced approach to nutrition and presentation. Like sake-making, Washoku is recognized by UNESCO and was inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2013.

The evening offered guests a rare opportunity to learn of the depth and artistry of Japanese food and beverage culture in an intimate setting, further strengthening appreciation for Japan's culinary heritage in Trinidad and Tobago.
The Embassy of Japan remains committed to promoting Japanese cuisine and fostering closer ties between Japan and Trinidad and Tobago through cultural exchange and public engagement initiatives.

31/07/2026

Japan: A Country of Paper, A Country of Stationery

Japan's renowned stationery culture begins with washi, traditional Japanese paper that has been treasured for over 1,300 years for its strength, beauty and versatility. Used in calligraphy, books, works of art, lanterns and traditional homes, washi laid the foundation for Japan's enduring appreciation of writing and craftsmanship.

Today, Japanese stationery is celebrated worldwide for its quality, thoughtful design and innovation. From notebooks and fountain pens to handcrafted brushes and regional paper products, each item reflects Japan's rich artistic heritage and attention to detail.

Swipe through to discover:

1) OMOSHIROI BLOCK – Osaka Castle: A sticky note pad that gradually reveals Osaka Castle as each sheet is removed.
2) Chiyogami paper: Decorative paper traditionally used for origami and paper crafts.
3) Ukiyo-e Woodblock Print: Gotenyama Hanami Mitatehana no Utage by Utagawa Hiroshige, created during the Edo period.
4) Sakura Cray-Pas: Iconic Japanese oil pastels that combine the qualities of crayons and pastels..
5) Apple-shaped Inkwell and Glass pen (Aomori Prefecture): The glass pen draws ink through its transparent nib, paired with an apple-shaped inkwell inspired by Aomori's famous fruit.
6) Goshuin Seal Stamp Books (Kyoto Prefecture): Books carried by visitors to collect temple and shrine seals as a record of their pilgrimage.
7) Kumano brushes (Hiroshima Prefecture): Masterfully handcrafted brushes renowned for both fine art and cosmetic applications.

What is your favourite piece of Japanese stationery? Tell us in the comments!

30/07/2026

✨“Journey to Explore your Talents”🇯🇵🇹🇹🇱🇨
🇯🇵2026 Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme Send-Off Reception🇯🇵
https://www.tt.emb-japan.go.jp/files/101068551.pdf

On July 29, 2026, the Embassy of Japan held the send-off reception and pre-departure orientation for participants of the 2026 Japan Exchange and Training (JET) Programme at the residence of His Excellency Dr. UMEZAWA Akima, Ambassador of Japan. For the 2026 JET Programme Cycle, twenty-four (24) candidates have been selected; twenty-two (22) participants from Trinidad and Tobago and two (2) from St. Lucia.

With warm words of encouragement from Ambassador UMEZAWA, the participants will depart for Japan eager to embrace their new roles as Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) in schools throughout Japan. They will support English language education, promote cultural exchange and foster global awareness within classrooms and broader communities while gaining valuable teaching experience, language skills, and intercultural understanding.

Please visit the Embassy of Japan website for more information on the JET Programme and the Embassy’s daily activities: https://www.tt.embjapan.go.jp/itprtop_en/index.html

27/07/2026

On Saturday, July 25, the Japanese Cultural Association of Trinidad and Tobago (JCATT) held its "Taiken Art Workshop" at Mehndi Arts Studio in Couva.

Participants enjoyed hands-on experiences with Kumihimo (traditional Japanese braid-making) and Origami, gaining a deeper appreciation of Japanese culture. Participats created their own Kumihimo braids, which they could take home as bracelets or decorative cords.

The event also provided an opportunity for participants to socialize over light refreshments, and the afternoon concluded with a lively karaoke session.

JCATT continues to promote friendship and cultural exchange between Japan and Trinidad and Tobago through a variety of cultural activities.

7月25日（土）、JCATT（トリニダード・トバゴ日本文化協会）は、CouvaのMehndi Arts Studioにおいて「Taiken Art Workshop」を開催しました。

参加者は、日本の伝統工芸である組紐や折り紙を体験し、日本文化に親しみました。完成した組紐はブレスレットやストラップとして持ち帰ることができ、参加者からは「ものづくりの楽しさを味わえた」と好評でした。

ワークショップでは、軽食を囲みながら参加者同士の交流も深まり、最後はカラオケで楽しいひとときを過ごしました。

日本文化を通じた交流を促進するJCATTの活動に、今後もご期待ください。

27/07/2026

FM MOTEGI issued the following statement on the inscription of “Ancient Capitals of Asuka and Fujiwara” on UNESCO’s World Heritage List (decision at the 48th Session of the World Heritage Committee of UNESCO).

https://www.mofa.go.jp/press/statement/pageite_000001_01748.html