Cultural festival (Japan)

According to the curriculum guidelines of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, cultural festivals are part of special activities and are defined as "events which aim to use the results of everyday learning to heighten motivation".

In universities, the cultural festivals are placed as extracurricular activity, so attendance is not required.

Traditionally, most schools hold festivals on or around Culture Day (November 3), a Japanese national holiday.

Cultural festivals are intended to be a fun event, but are also the only opportunity each year for students to see what life is like in other schools.

They are also intended to enrich people's lives by increasing social interaction and fostering community ties.