Program

The Canberra Nara Candle Festival will be held on Saturday 25 October 2025 from 4-9pm in the Canberra Nara Peace Park, Lennox Gardens, Yarralumla.

The Festival program reflects the friendship between Australia and Japan, and includes performances and demonstrations of both traditional and pop cultures, from Cosplay to martial arts and traditional Japanese music and crafts.

At 7pm the Official Ceremony will be followed by the lighting of 2,000 shimmering candles in the Canberra Nara Peace Park. 

Download the program here.

Program - Main Stage

*program subject to change without notice  

ACT  Senior Concert Band

4:00pm - 4:30pm

The ACT Senior Concert Band is an extension band formed by students from 18 schools under the guidance of the ACT Instrumental Music Program. The 80 students are in years 9-12 in ACT public schools. 

The Senior Concert Band has had a long-standing relationship with Ichijo HS band in Nara Japan. They first held an exchange tour to Nara in 1998 and have visited 7 times and welcomed the Ichijo HS band to Canberra as well.

They last visited Nara in 2018 and have performed here at all of the Candle Festivals, except one when they were in Japan. 

 

Sam Devenport

Master of Ceremonies 4:00pm - 9:00pm

Sam is the co-host of Gateway to Anime, a YouTube channel and podcast that has become one of Australia’s most trusted anime recommendation resources, with the YouTube channel amassing over 1.6 million views. Sam has worked professionally across various entertainment and media fields, including Musical Theatre (An Officer and a Gentleman and The Phantom of the Opera), the Music industry (drummer for Tame Impala and Mink Mussel Creek), Podcast producing (DM Podcasts) and the film and television industry (Sunny Nights and Place to Be). Sam is a graduate of the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) and is currently completing his Masters at the University of Sydney. His thesis analyses how anime streaming services have changed the Australian anime fan community.

Nara University High School

4:40pm - 5:00pm

Nara University High School is delighted to return to the stage at the Canberra Nara Candle Festival again.

This year's performance was planned and choreographed from start to finish by the students, inspired by the contrast of ancient Japanese traditions and the latest J-pop trends. 

The kendo and dance performance is a fitting way for the students to express themselves, their talents and their appreciation to their local host schools and buddies for an enriching exchange experience. 

 

 

Official Ceremony and Lantern Lighting

7.00pm - 8.00pm

See Canberra Nara  Peace Park illuminated with 2000 shimmering candles. This spectacular sight can be viewed from the Candle Display Area near the Rotary Peace Bell. 

Cosplay Competition

5.15pm - 6.15pm

Cosplay appeared more than 30 years ago and has become an element of the everyday landscape in Japan.

The cosplayer (costume player) impersonates their favourite manga, anime, or video game character by wearing the same costume and adopting the personality and mannerism. 

Emerald King, Lecturer in Humanities (UTAS) Cosplayer and Cosplay expert, will host this friendly competition which aims to bring the Canberra Cosplay community together to share their costumes in a fun environment.

Whether you are a well-rounded cosplayer or a total beginner you are invited to enter the Canberra Nara Candle Festival Cosplay competition. 

 

Emi Emi (Emi Doi)

8.00pm - 8.50pm

Born and raised in lutruwita/Tasmania to her Launcestonian mum and Japanese dad, ミエミエ(emi emi) sings in a mixture of Japanese and English, drawing inspiration from the likes ofKero Kero Bonito, CHAI, Kyary Pyamu Pyamu and AAAMYYY.

ミエミエ (emi emi) has already garnered a significant reputation as a live act sincecommencing the project in 2022, with bookings at Dark Mofo, Taste of Summer, TheUnconformity, HAYDAYS and A Festival Called Panama, as well as support slots for LucaBrasi, SET MO and Close Counters. She has recently completed a national tour as the maintouring support for electronic duo Sumner.

Currently consisting of Charlie Pyecroft (vocals, synth, DJ), Eri Mullooly-Hill Konishi(Dancer) and Risa Muramatsu-Ray (dancer), the energy of ミエミエ’s (emi emi) live show isimpossible to deny and ready for any stage.

 

Program - Other Locations

Roving Entertainment

Byron Taiko

4:30pm - 4:40pm

5:00pm - 5:15pm

6:25pm - 6.45pm (on the main stage)

7:30pm - 7:45pm

 

Byron Taiko is a Japanese performing arts group, featuring dynamic taiko drums and Japanese activities.  They have visited over 60  festivals and events to share and promote Japanese experiences and culture.

 

Demonstrations

Martial Arts

5.30pm - 6.30pm 

Deomonstration of:

  • Iaido
  •  Jodo
  • Aikido
  • Kendo
  • Kyudo

Japanese Embassy Tent

Japanese Arts and Crafts

4.00pm - 9.00pm

  • Calligraphy
  • Origami
  • Photo Booth (props provided)
  • Travel Information

Art and Craft Tent

Lantern Making 

4.00pm - 8.30pm

Visitors of all ages will enjoy making  paper lanterns in this workshop.

Peace Bell

Ringing the Rotary Peace Bell

4.00pm - 9.00pm

Patrons are invited to participate in ringing the Rotary Peace Bell, a symbol of peace. Come along and take your turn striking the bell.

The Rotary Club volunteers will be available to answer all your questions about the Canberra Nara relationship.

Event Map

Please see our event site map below.