Join us for a week of cultural learning, history, and hands-on experiences. We invite faculty to bring their students to these meaningful weekday sessions leading up to the public celebration on Saturday. All BC students are welcome.
More Information:
Japan Week 2026 Events and Volunteer Opportunities
Celebrate Japanese culture, art, history and food during Japan Week at Bellevue College. Events take place throughout the week, leading up to the 10th Japan Week Festival on Saturday, Oct. 10.
Hiroshima-Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Exhibit and Films
10 AM-3 PM, Monday, Oct. 5-Thursday, Oct. 8
C Building, Room 130 A/B
Explore more than 30 curated photographs, data panels and historical materials from the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, courtesy of Nuclear Weapons Awareness.
Onigiri (Rice Ball) Making Workshop
2:30-3:20 PM, Monday, Oct. 5
B Building, Room 102
Learn how to make onigiri from a professional chef at I Love Sushi Bellevue. Dating back more than 2,000 years, onigiri remains one of the most beloved staples of Japanese cuisine.
This is an interactive, hands-on workshop. Space is limited to 30 students.
Manga Drawing Workshop
2:30-3:20 PM, Tuesday, Oct. 6
B Building, Room 102
Learn basic manga drawing techniques, including facial expressions and character design, from a professional manga artist. This is a hands-on workshop, so bring a pen or pencil.
“Within the Silence”: Japanese American Incarceration Camp Experiences
2:30-3:20 PM, Wednesday, Oct. 7
B Building, Room 102
Presented by Living Voices, “Within the Silence” combines live performance and archival film to explore the experiences and impact of Japanese American incarceration. The presentation brings history to life while inviting reflection on resilience and belonging.
Sumi-e: Calligraphy Painting
2:30-3:20 PM, Thursday, Oct. 8
B Building, Room 102
Discover the beauty and simplicity of sumi-e, the traditional Japanese art of ink painting. In this beginner-friendly, hands-on workshop, learn basic brush techniques, ink preparation and brush control, as well as how to use line, shading and empty space to create expressive artwork.
Please wear dark-colored clothing. Sumi ink may stain and cannot be washed out.
Saturday Presentations
The weekday presentations and workshops will be offered again Saturday, Oct. 10. Check the Saturday schedule for times and locations.
Event Setup Day
Beginning at 4 PM, Friday, Oct. 9
Volunteers are also needed to help prepare for the festival.
10th Japan Week Festival
10 AM-5 PM, Saturday, Oct. 10
Join the Bellevue College community for the 10th Japan Week Festival.
Volunteer for Japan Week
Japan Week is seeking 220 volunteers to help make this year’s event a success.
Use this link to register to volunteer
Last Updated September 14, 2026