Last May 23 & 24, 2026, more than 5,000 came together for a fun-fulled Bunkasai Festival in Pune, India. Hosted by Japanese language learning center AtoJ Hirameki , their students showcased their understanding of Japanese traditions beyond textbooks. From yukata experiences and Japanese architecture models to authentic festival attractions, the event created a space where students, families, and Japan enthusiasts could explore and appreciate Japanese culture.
What is Bunkasai?
Commonly held in Japanese schools every November 3 on Culture Day, Bunkasai is a student-led festival that showcases projects, performances, food displays, games, and cultural exhibits. More than just a festival, Bunkasai encourages teamwork and self-expression.
At AtoJ Hirameki’s Bunkasai Festival in Pune, students brought this beloved Japanese tradition to life. Families and friends of students, and Japan enthusiasts all came together over two unforgettable days filled with excitement, curiosity, and connection. Believing that learning should be fun and interactive, Bunkasai allowed students to have a newfound appreciation of Japanese culture beyond the classroom.
Bunkasai Festival in India, Pune by AtoJ Hirameki Students
Visitors explored stunning student projects, including Japanese architecture models, realistic clay food displays, fortune-telling stations, and even a working Japanese-style vending machine. Guests also played traditional Japanese games, tried on yukatas, interacted with students, and immersed themselves in a vibrant Japanese festival atmosphere.
“Seeing our own students proudly present their work and engage the community through their passion for Japanese culture was one of the most rewarding parts of Bunkasai,” said Swathi, a member of the AtoJ Hirameki team behind the event.
Teachers recognized outstanding projects for their creativity and detail. An exhibit called Rebirth of Japan is one of these projects. It’s a project by AtoJ Hirameki student Batch Chyousen about Japan’s remarkable recovery from the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Native Japanese who attended the event were also delighted to see students authentically showcasing different facets of Japanese culture. Everyone’s participation made the experience even more special. “As their sensei, it makes me very proud to see my students share their understanding and genuine love for Japanese culture,” said Amogh sensei, a teacher at AtoJ Hirameki in Pune.
For the AtoJ Hirameki team in Pune, Bunkasai 2026 is more than just a project. It’s a celebration of culture, creativity, and the joy of learning together.
“Bunkasai is a great example of what can happen when a community comes together. It was wonderful to see so many students, alumni, and supporters celebrating with us this year. Events like these remind us that our community is at the heart of everything we do. At Hirameki, we’re not just helping people learn Japanese…we’re supporting them as they build connections, discover opportunities, and take the next steps toward their future in Japan.”– Shruti Channagiri, CEO, AtoJ Hirameki
Inspired by the creativity and cultural experiences at Bunkasai? Learning Japanese can open doors to exciting career opportunities.
At AtoJ Hirameki Pune, students gain practical language skills and cultural knowledge to help them pursue opportunities connected to Japan. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to advance your Japanese proficiency, now is the perfect time to start your journey. To be part of this inspiring community that has fun while learning, learn more about AtoJ Hirameki Japanese Language Classes here.
