The 10th International Jewsharp Festival in Akan, Hokkaido, Japan – October 24–26, 2025
We are delighted to announce that the 10th International Jewsharp Congress & Festival will take place on October 24–26, 2025, at Akanko Ainu Kotan, Hokkaido.
Thanks to the vision of Fukiko Goukon, the support of Leo Tadagawa, and the commitment of the local Ainu community, this edition promises to be an unforgettable gathering – uniting music, tradition, and global friendship.
Join us in celebrating the jewsharp in the spirit of harmony and cultural exchange!
About the International Jewsharp Festival & Congress
The jewsharp is a small yet profound instrument, made of metal or bamboo, that produces its distinctive “byong” sound when played against the mouth. In Ainu culture it is called the mukkuri and has been cherished for centuries.
Since its inception, the International Jewsharp Festival & Congress (IJHF/C) has been held nine times in countries where the instrument has deep cultural roots. Every edition gathers performers, makers, and researchers from across Asia, Europe, and beyond. With concerts, workshops, outdoor performances, and a global jewsharp marketplace, the festival has become a vital meeting for the promotion of cultural exchange, tradition, innovation, and the Spirit of the jewsharp.
Japan has long participated in the IJHC/F through the Japan Jewsharp Association and the Akan Jewsharp Association. Their dream of one day hosting the event is now being realized with this 10th edition in Hokkaido, a unique opportunity to celebrate the jewsharp’s global voice and to showcase the living heritage of Ainu culture.
IJHS FESTIVAL WEBSITE / FESTIVAL WEBSITE / FACEBOOK PAGE / INSTAGRAM
