This is the special day each year when APU's campus, home to students from 110 countries and regions around the world, opens its doors to the local community. That's the Tenku Festival!
This year, we're also celebrating APU's 25th anniversary with special events that will brighten up the campus. Immerse yourself in a multicultural, multinational atmosphere! Packed with events for everyone from kids to adults, you'll find gourmet food, stage performances, workshops, and more—it's like traveling the world right here.
The theme for this year's Tenku Festival is "Palette". At our university, students from diverse backgrounds and with varied experiences share their school life together. The theme of "Palette" embodies our hope that each student will add their unique personality and talents to color the Tenku Festival, and that students with different 'colors' blending together will create never seen before "new colors". Let's color the Tenku Festival with each of our unique colors!!
Saturday, October 25th, 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM / Evening Festival 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Sunday, October 26th, 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
*Note: Only the stage program for the night festival will be held after 5:00 PM on Saturday, October 25th.
*Note: Performance and exhibition times for each event can be found in the day's program. (This is to be posted on the Tenku Festival Executive Committee Instagram and APU website by the end of October).
Last year's hugely popular Lantern Festival returns and is upgraded! We will launch an incredible 150 lanterns this year! Filled with the journey of APU's past 25 years and hopes for the next 25 years, colorful lanterns will fantastically illuminate the night sky. The lights spreading across the campus night sky will light a flame in everyone's heart as they connect the past, present, and future. Please join us for this special night!
Date & Time: Saturday, October 25th, around 6:30 PM
Venue: In front of the event stage / Sales Location: Near Building A inside the Food Stall Department Tent
Price: 100 yen per lantern (Limit one lantern per person)
We will display 25 photos selected by the APU 25th Anniversary Commemorative Project Executive Committee from submissions widely received from current APU students, faculty and staff, graduates active around the world, local community members, and everyone connected to APU. A commemorative quiz rally touring Building J will also be held simultaneously! Clear it to draw a lottery ticket for a chance to win prizes.
Date & Time: Saturday, October 25th, 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Sunday, October 26th, 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Venue: Building J
Join us for a massive sing-along of "We Are The World" across the entire Tenku Festival venue, led by former Japan national rugby team captain Toshiaki Hirose! Let the power of music unite us, creating a moment where hearts connect across generations and nationalities. Let's have our wish resonate for world peace together with Mr. Hirose's passionate message. Your participation will surely touch someone's heart!
Date & Time: Sunday, October 26th, Around 3:00 PM
Venue: Stage
Colorful balloon art celebrating APU's 25th anniversary will appear across campus! Don't miss the chance to take photos with these stunning, Instagram-worthy decorations. Capture a memorable shot in this special space celebrating 25 years of progress!
Date & Time: All day
Venue: In front of the fountain
The parade will feature cultural groups from countries and regions around the world, straight from APU's signature Multicultural Week! Experience a special parade packed with the unique charm of each group. Feel the excitement of traveling the world just by watching this multicultural celebration!
Date & Time: Saturday, October 25, 11:00 AM～
Venue: From the event stage to the vicinity of Building F
We're launching new events to connect and enjoy together with local people. Try on airline uniforms, learn to tie scarves, craft handmade goods, explore Chinese culture workshops, snap photos at the Uzumasa Movie Village photo booth, watch the AP House episode of NHK's popular show "Document 72 Hours," catch the short film "Veil" set at APU House, shop local products from Oita high school students, and enjoy Language Festa (October 25 only) for fun multilingual learning!
Date & Time: Saturday, October 25th: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Sunday, October 26th: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Venue: Building J
A mini train will make its debut at APU! Not only can you take photos with it, but you can actually ride it too. Uniform try-on experiences for children are also available. Come join us!
Date & Time: Saturday, October 25th, 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Venue: Building J
Why not try a sauna experience that refreshes both mind and body while enjoying breathtaking views from APU? Breathe in the crisp air and take in the panoramic view of Beppu Bay spread out before you. Gently sweat in this luxurious setting and refresh both mind and body! Enjoy bathing in the fresh air, feeling the breeze, and savoring a moment of deep relaxation after the sauna.
*The sauna is a paid service.
Date & Time: Saturday, October 25th, 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Sunday, October 26th, 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Venue: Near the backstage area
【Daytime】Saturday, October 25th, 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Sunday, October 26th, 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
【Night Festival】Saturday, October 25th, 5:00 PM -
【Performing Groups (Partial List)】
Plus many more performers, including dances by local children!
Date & Time: Saturday, October 25th, 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Some stalls will be open until around 6:00 PM), Sunday, October 26th, 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
※Closes when sold out
Abura soba, yangnyeom chicken, yakisoba, churros, and over 20 other stalls planned!
Date & Time: Saturday, October 25th, 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Sunday, October 26th, 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Building F
Exhibits (Partial List):
Try permanent makeup, international exchange workshops, Thai goods sales, Japanese traditional crafts sales, and many more!
The Japan Sky Lantern Association® has donated some of its Sky Lanterns® to support the “Lantern Fest” stage project at the Tenku Festival organized by the Tenku Executive Committee to promote culture and education and to further enhance this event. We would like to express our deepest gratitude to them.
Sky Lantern Association® website