From Tuesday 22 to Sunday 27 September 2026, Japan will be the Guest Country of Honour at Grand Pavois La Rochelle. On this special occasion, the international boat show will invite visitors to immerse themselves in Japanese culture, from maritime heritage and traditions to gastronomy, craftsmanship, arts, fashion, innovation and savoir-faire.

For six days, the hall dedicated to Japan will become a true Japanese village at the heart of Grand Pavois La Rochelle. Exhibitions, demonstrations, workshops, encounters and cultural activities will offer visitors the opportunity to discover a Japan that is both deeply rooted in tradition and firmly focused on the future, shaped by its enduring relationship with the sea.

Japan, Guest Country of Honour at Grand Pavois La Rochelle 2026

An archipelago of nearly 6,800 islands surrounded by the waters of the Pacific Ocean, Japan has maintained a close relationship with the sea for centuries. A source of food and trade, a place of work but also of leisure and inspiration, the sea plays a central role in Japanese history and culture.

Japan’s presence at Grand Pavois La Rochelle is therefore an opportunity to showcase the Japanese maritime way of life, through a programme combining ancient traditions, popular culture, gastronomy, craftsmanship and innovation.

Visitors will discover a Japan shaped by the sea, where respect for nature, the transmission of traditional skills and innovation come together.

Toba, a Japanese city shaped by the sea

For the 2026 edition, Toba will be particularly highlighted.

Located in the Kansai region, around two hours from Osaka, Toba is a coastal city with a strong connection to the sea. Surrounded by inhabited islands and located within the Ise-Shima National Park, the city’s economy is largely based on fishing and tourism.

Toba is also renowned for its maritime and cultural heritage, particularly its famous ama free divers, pearl farming, seafood and authentic natural environment.

The name Toba originates from Tomari-ura, meaning “the shore where boats are moored” – a definition that perfectly reflects the identity of a city where the sea lies at the heart of everyday life.

An immersion into Japanese culture

The Japanese hall will offer a rich programme showcasing different aspects of Japanese culture.

Japanese gastronomy and a taste of Japan

IMA, un voyage au Japon, a Japanese gourmet food store, will invite visitors to discover Japanese gastronomy and culinary culture.

A selection of products imported directly from Japan, tastings, workshops and encounters will allow visitors to explore flavours and products from across the archipelago in a spirit of sharing and conviviality.

Japanese gastronomy will also be represented by Vincent Olivier, 2026 French Sushi Champion. Originally from La Rochelle, the 29-year-old chef trained in Japan at Tokyo Sushi Academy before settling in Capbreton, in the Landes region, where he now offers a gastronomic sushi experience at his restaurant, Kinko Omakase.

Yamaha Motor: the story of Japan and the sea

Through an exhibition combining archive images, newspaper front pages, films and historical products, Yamaha Motor will explore the deep relationship between the Japanese people and their maritime environment.

The exhibition will trace key milestones in Yamaha’s nautical history and the evolution of the ways in which the Japanese have used and experienced the sea.

Fishing, work, leisure, boating and technological innovation: the exhibition will reveal how the sea has shaped Japanese lifestyles and how Yamaha has supported those who live, work or dream by the water.

A Japanese flea market at Grand Pavois

Another unique feature of the Japanese village will be a 50 m² Japanese flea market presented by Koji.japon.

Koji Fukushima, a former professional cyclist who went on to become one of the best-known Japanese antique dealers in France, will present a selection of authentic pieces brought directly from Japan.

Ceramics, tableware, prints, kimonos, vintage textiles, traditional kokeshi wooden dolls, handicrafts, furniture and everyday objects will make up this space dedicated to Japanese heritage and aesthetics.

It will be an opportunity for Japan enthusiasts, collectors and curious visitors alike to discover unique objects and take home a piece with its own story and history.

Gyotaku: when the sea becomes a work of art

Visitors will also be able to discover Gyotaku, a traditional Japanese technique consisting of creating an imprint of a fish on paper.

Originally, Japanese fishermen used this technique to record their most remarkable catches, noting details such as the fish’s measurements and the location where it was caught. Some would also add a poem of gratitude before signing their work.

Gyotaku therefore reflects the deep connection between fishermen, the sea and nature.

A fisherman and graphic designer by training, Sylvain Garrigues, known as Darkoï, continues this tradition by creating Gyotaku works in accordance with traditional Japanese techniques and their ecological values.

Ikebana, kimono and Japanese craftsmanship

The Japanese hall will also showcase several emblematic forms of traditional Japanese art.

An exhibition will feature ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement, as well as the kimono, one of Japan’s most iconic garments.

These presentations will offer visitors an insight into the importance placed on gesture, balance, materials and aesthetics in traditional Japanese arts.

Japanese cultural activities throughout the show

The central stage of the Japanese village will host a programme dedicated to Japanese culture throughout the six days of Grand Pavois La Rochelle.

The programme will include:

• theatrical performances;
• traditional Japanese drums;
• martial arts demonstrations;
• ikebana demonstrations;
• traditional printmaking demonstrations;
• tea ceremonies;
• hands-on workshops introducing visitors to different Japanese traditions and practices.

A programme designed to encourage visitors to see, listen, learn and experience Japanese culture for themselves.

Japanese martial arts: kendo and jujitsu in the spotlight

The Japanese village will also showcase Japanese martial arts.

The Franco-Japanese associations Shiosai and Kizuna, based in La Rochelle, will be delighted to introduce visitors to their activities.

La Rochelle Juji Kendo, a major local sports club recognised for its commitment and the excellence of its volunteer instructors, will also take part in the programme. A traditional kendo warrior’s armour will be on display for visitors.

Visitors will be able to discover two iconic Japanese martial arts: kendo, literally “the way of the sword”, and jujitsu, a martial art based notably on flexibility, technique and control.

Kendo will be particularly highlighted through the presence of Sylvain Chodkowski, 2026 European Kendo Champion, a La Rochelle native and member of La Rochelle Juji Kendo.

Japan in La Rochelle: local organisations and partners

This programme also reflects the commitment of local organisations helping to strengthen cultural ties between La Rochelle and Japan.

The associations Shiosai and Kizuna, together with La Rochelle Juji Kendo, will be present in the Japanese village to introduce visitors to their activities and share their passion for Japanese culture.

CLAIR Paris, an organisation dedicated to developing cooperation between Japanese local authorities and French and European institutions, will also be present on 26 and 27 September.

Visitors will be able to speak with its representatives about Japanese cities and prefectures, discover different regional sakes and take part in a creative workshop designed particularly with families in mind.

Two La Rochelle ambassadors celebrating Japan

Two La Rochelle personalities, both passionate about Japan, will accompany this exceptional edition: Sylvain Chodkowski, 2026 European Kendo Champion, and Vincent Olivier, 2026 French Sushi Champion.

They will both attend the official opening of Grand Pavois La Rochelle on Thursday 24 September 2026.

Two very different journeys, through sport and gastronomy, brought together by a shared passion for Japanese culture and their connection to La Rochelle.

Discover Japan at Grand Pavois La Rochelle

Japanese culture, gastronomy, craftsmanship, traditional arts, martial arts, maritime history, exhibitions and workshops: Japan will reveal its many different facets at Grand Pavois La Rochelle 2026.

Whether you are passionate about Japan, a lover of Japanese gastronomy, curious to discover the traditions of the archipelago or simply looking for a unique cultural experience in La Rochelle, the Japanese village at Grand Pavois awaits you from 22 to 27 September 2026.

Experience Japanese culture at Grand Pavois La Rochelle and discover Japan from a new perspective, where tradition meets the sea.