Hutt Minoh House Friendship Trust

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Hutt Minoh House Friendship Trust

The Hutt Minoh House Friendship Trust hosts and promotes projects and events to share Japanese culture in Lower Hutt and the wider region.

The Hutt Minoh House Friendship Trust was established for charitable purposes to develop and provide Japanese education and cultural awareness.

The Trust supports programmes and activities that will benefit and contribute to growing good relationships between the people of Lower Hutt and their Japanese sister city Minoh-shi, Osaka.

05/12/2025

One of the sounds that defined Hutt Japan Day this year was taiko drumming. You could hear it rolling through the Lower Hutt Event Centre, across the Town Hall, and echoing through the Hashimoto Walkway and gardens. Every performance stopped people in their tracks.

A huge thank you to the incredible groups who brought that energy to the day:
🥁 Narukami Taiko
🥁 Taikoza Wellington

From powerful bass notes to tightly choreographed rhythms, each set created a buzz that carried throughout the entire venue. Whether you were in the market area, out grabbing lunch, or wandering the walkway, the drumming brought the whole event together.

Thanks again to Embassy of Japan, New Zealand, Hutt City Council, Hutt Mana Charitable Trust, and CK & Co Realty for your support in making this event possible.

04/12/2025

There was no better way to open Hutt Japan Day than with a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, led beautifully by the Wellington Omote Senke Sado Club. It set the tone perfectly for a day celebrating 30 years of friendship between Lower Hutt and Minoh.

We were honoured to hear opening remarks from
🎌 His Excellency Ambassador Makoto Osawa
🏯 Brady Dyer, Chair of the Hutt Minoh House Friendship Trust
🇯🇵 The Mayor of Minoh, sending a welcome video message
A calm, meaningful and deeply cultural start to an incredible day.

Thanks again to Embassy of Japan, New Zealand, Hutt City Council, Hutt Mana Charitable Trust, and CK & Co Realty for your support in making this event possible.

03/12/2025

One of the great sights at Hutt Japan Day this year was the Hashimoto Walkway absolutely full of people enjoying lunch, catching with friends and soaking in the atmosphere. With taiko drumming echoing through the trees and the food court just steps away, it turned into one of the most relaxed and scenic spots of the whole event.

It was especially fitting during the 30-year celebration with Minoh, given the walkway’s special connection to our sister city and its long history of bringing people together.

Huge thank you to everyone who spent part of their day out there. It really showcased what a vibrant, community-minded space this can be.

Thanks again to Embassy of Japan, New Zealand, Hutt City Council, Hutt Mana Charitable Trust, and CK & Co Realty for your support in making this event possible.

02/12/2025

A new addition to Hutt Japan Day this year was the second stage inside the Events Centre, set up especially for interactive demonstrations. It turned out to be one of the most popular parts of the whole event, giving people the chance to get up close to the action and learn more about each martial art in a relaxed, open setting.

Thank you to all the groups who brought this stage to life throughout the day:
🗡️ Wellington Iaidō Club
🟦 Yoshinkan Kendo Club
🥋 Kapiti Karate Academy
⚔️ Wellington Naginata
🔵 Hutt City Aikido
🛡️ Bujinkan Dojo

These smaller sessions created such a vibrant atmosphere, with people gathering around to watch, ask questions and see the techniques demonstrated right in front of them.

Thanks again to Embassy of Japan, New Zealand, Hutt City Council, Hutt Mana Charitable Trust, and CK & Co Realty for your support in making this event possible.

01/12/2025

One of the most loved parts of Hutt Japan Day is always the market area. This year it was bigger than ever, filling the Events Centre with colour, crafts, culture and conversations. From handmade jewellery and ceramics to miso workshops, vintage records, travel stalls and kawaii treasures, there was something for everyone.

A huge thank you to all the stallholders who helped create such an energetic and welcoming space:
🧵 Leila’s Amigurumi
🎐 Lovely Nature New Zealand
🎎 Essence of Japan
📀 On The Record
🎨 Kira Hill Artist
👜 Pochette
🍙 OKOME LIFE
🐾 NEKO NGERU Cat Cafe
📚 JETAA & VUW Japanese Society
🧺 Handmade by Ayu
🌀 Innocent Flower
🍥 Heavenly Delights
🎏 Otomodachi
💎 M.M.C Origami Accessories
🎍 Japanese Body Therapy
🔮 Sukyo Mahikari Light Giving Stall
🍵 Japan Society of Wellington
🗺️ Japan Local Government Centre (CLAIR Sydney)
✈️ House of Travel Lower Hutt
🌿 Hil Ceramics
✨ Pawa Haven
🎨 Wrap 16 & Demekin Handcrafts
🏠 Hutt Multicultural Council
🍶 Nakano Brewery from Wakayama
…plus so many more local makers and cultural groups who make this area such a highlight every time.
Thanks again to Embassy of Japan, New Zealand, Hutt City Council, Hutt Mana Charitable Trust, and CK & Co Realty for your support in making this event possible.

01/12/2025

A huge thank you to the Embassy of Japan, New Zealand for making one of the standout moments of Hutt Japan Day possible, bringing renowned Japanese mural artist Koryu to Lower Hutt for a special live performance.

Koryu captivated the crowd with a stunning artwork created live at the event. His blend of bold colour, movement and traditional influences brought something truly unique to our 30-year celebration with Minoh. It was incredible watching the piece come to life in real time.

Koryu also spent time speaking with the audience afterwards, sharing stories about his work across Japan, Aotearoa and Australia, along with insights into his creative process.

We’re so grateful he could be part of the day.
And a big thank you once again to Hutt City Council, Hutt Mana Charitable Trust, and CK & Co Realty for your support in making this event possible.

01/12/2025

One of the busiest spots at Hutt Japan Day was the food area. From traditional favourites to creative takes with a Japanese twist, the queues never stopped and the flavours absolutely delivered. Such a good reminder of how much culinary talent we have in our region.

A huge thank you to all the vendors who kept everyone fuelled throughout the day:
🍙 The Bento Bar
🍡 Rembuden fundraising with rice balls and daifuku
🍩 Super Donut Hero with their wasabi sugar twist
🔥 Indo Plus serving Chicken and Beef Teriyaki
🥞 Mr Circle with their Japanese-style crepes
🥟 Mao and Co dumplings, noodles and snacks
🍫 Berry Lush matcha or wasabi chocolate fruit treats
🍵 Moegi Matcha matcha, hojicha and sakura drinks
🍣 Sushi Monster
🥪 Atlantis Reef N Leaf with their Japanese-style sando
🧋 Chia Cha bubble tea, steamed buns and taiyaki
🍧 Mochie Munchi mochi and Japanese ice cream

And a big thank you once again to Embassy of Japan, New Zealand, Hutt City Council, Hutt Mana Charitable Trust, and CK & Co Realty for your support in making this event possible.

30/11/2025

The CK & Co Realty Main Stage was packed from start to finish at Hutt Japan Day, with an incredible line up showcasing the depth and diversity of Japanese culture as we celebrated 30 years of friendship with Minoh.

A huge thank you to every group who performed:
🎎 Wellington Omote Senke Sado Club opening with a traditional tea ceremony
🥋 Kapiti Karate Academy
⚔️ Wellington Naginata
🟦 Yōshinkan Kendo Club
🔵 Hutt City Aikido
🥁 Narukami Taiko
🗡️ Wellington Iaidō Club
💃 Essence of Japan & Sangatsu-kai with Bon-Odori
🎨 Koryu creating a live artwork on stage
🛡️ Bujinkan Dojo
🥁 Taikoza closing out the day with huge energy

And a big thank you once again to Embassy of Japan, New Zealand, Hutt City Council, Hutt Mana Charitable Trust, and CK & Co Realty for your support in making this event possible.

Photos by Chris Parkin & Cr Brady Dyer

30/11/2025

Three weeks on and still buzzing about Hutt Japan Day. Hard to believe that nearly 12,500 people packed out the Lower Hutt Event Centre and Town Hall to celebrate 30 years of friendship with Minoh. Looking back through the photos, it’s a good reminder of how special the day was, from the cherry blossom walkway to the packed workshops and the energy around the food court.

Huge thanks again to everyone who came along, performed, volunteered or supported the event!

Thanks again to Embassy of Japan, New Zealand, Hutt City Council, Hutt Mana Charitable Trust & CK & Co Realty for your support to make this event possible!

Photos by Cr Brady Dyer - Hutt City Council

08/11/2025

Hutt Japan Day kicks off at 11am today, running through till 3pm. So much to see, do, and eat! See you there 👋

08/11/2025

✈️ Want to unlock the adventure of a lifetime and win flights to Tokyo?

Visit the House of Travel Lower Hutt booth at the Lower Hutt Events centre on Sunday, 9 November, from 10am to 3pm, and join in the celebration of all things Japan 🇯🇵

Kelly-Ann Thomas Carol Stratford

Address

38 Normandale Road, Normandale
Lower Hutt
5010

Telephone

+6445706906

Website

http://www.huttminoh.org.nz/

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