Explore the World at the One World Festival in Umeda on February 7-8, 2026

Discover and Connect at the One World Festival

Mark your calendars for February 7 and 8, 2026! The 33rd One World Festival, one of Western Japan's largest international cooperation and exchange events, will take place at the stunning Umeda Sky Building in Osaka. Organized by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Kansai as a member of the event committee, this festival is an opportunity to explore global issues and connect with diverse cultures.

What is the One World Festival?

Since 1993, the One World Festival has been a significant annual event aimed at raising awareness about international cooperation, particularly in the context of sustainable development goals (SDGs). The festival facilitates connections between various non-profit organizations (NPOs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), government institutions, international agencies, educational institutions, local governments, and businesses working towards enhancing global understanding and collaboration.

The theme for this year’s festival is "Now is the Time to Care for Everyone's Lives - Creating a World to Live Together." In light of the challenges posed by conflicts, natural disasters, refugees, and poverty, this year's program encourages attendees to engage with one another and contemplate the significance of life.

Event Details

- Dates: February 7 (10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, with Candle Night until 8:00 PM) and February 8 (10:00 AM - 4:30 PM)
- Venue: 1st, 3rd, and 22nd Floors, Umeda Sky Building, 1-1-88 Oyodonaka, Kita-ku, Osaka
- Admission Fee: Free (food and drinks available for purchase)

Special Programs by JICA Kansai

JICA Kansai will present various engaging programs led by staff and specialists with firsthand experience in developing countries, sharing real perspectives on pressing global issues.

Disaster Prevention and International Cooperation

On February 7 from 3:15 PM to 3:45 PM, learn about JICA’s acclaimed Best Practices at the International Disaster Training Center established by JICA and Hyogo Prefecture, utilizing lessons from the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake. Officials from the Philippines, Timor-Leste, and the Solomon Islands involved in disaster management will share their experiences and visions for the future.

Teacher Overseas Training Report

On February 7 from 1:45 PM to 2:45 PM, JICA Kansai will host a session regarding its Teacher Overseas Training program aimed at fostering development education and international understanding in next-generation educators. Participants will share insights gained during their visit to Peru, contributing to classroom practices in Japan.

Engaging Activities for All Ages

1. Hands-On Experience Zones
- Health Machine Experience: Test the AI-equipped Health Time Machine that calculates your vascular age and predicts lifestyle disease risks.
- Cultural Cuisine: Taste diverse dishes from around the world at 14 food trucks offering culinary delights.
- Sports Activities: Enjoy a special match by Osaka Pro Wrestling, along with traditional games like Boccia and Mongolian Tevug.
- Cultural Dress Experiences: Try on colorful costumes from various countries and capture memorable photographs.
- Refugee Tent Display: Experience a life simulation of a refugee camp set up by UNHCR, engaging with real-life conditions.

2. Special Seminars
- Genocide and Current Events in Gaza: On February 8 from 2:10 PM to 3:15 PM, representatives from Médecins Sans Frontières and Amnesty International will discuss the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, focusing on children's safety and citizen resistance against genocide.

The festival features 90 booths showcasing the activities of 86 organizations, including NGOs, NPOs, international agencies, government organizations, educational institutions, and businesses. With a variety of programs on offer, participants will have the chance to learn, engage, and contribute to a better world.

Join us at the One World Festival to discover the world, connect with new ideas, and advocate for a brighter future. Together, let’s celebrate our global community and share in the responsibility of nurturing our planet and its people.