Our best wishes go out to all our followers and collaborators around the world. Thanks much for everything in 2018 and “yoroshiku” for next year. As always, we are doing our best  to bring you yet more new worlds to meet over the coming twelve months. Of course, we are already working with a slew of great artists on a 2019 festival program that you will really want to come and see. And, we have some new projects that we think you are going to like. Especially, we have a few “firsts” that we hope to roll out… Stay tuned to see what the new year can bring!

The “Brand Research Institute” in Tokyo has placed Hakodate at number 1 in its 2018  list of the most attractive places in Japan (their page [Japanese]).

It’s not a bad achievement for a small town on the northernmost island. Number 2 on the list is the much more widely renowned Kyoto.

We recommend a visit to see the qualities that put us here. And this visit is especially recommended to international artists…. Especially during the week of August…! Yes, WMDFs yearly application date of Oct 20th is nearly here. After Oct 20, we will be working hard to build next year’s worldwide program until the final decisions deadline of the third Sat of December.

We hope that Hakodate’s ongoing event season is living up to your expectations! Every year, we have run a “Worlds Meet Bar” in Autumn where people gather to reflect on the summer and to look forward to events still to come (this year and next). Why not join us?

“Worlds Meet” Bar
Date: Sun, Sep 30 from 17:00 to 21:30
Place: Cocktail Bar Concord 21（Hakodate, Honcho 1-42）
Theme: Talk about event experiences, drink world cocktails
Pricing: No cover charge, drinks 500 yen, soft drinks 300 yen (free snack with first drink)
Producers: Words Meet Japan
Inquiries: 0138-52-3815 (WMDF Secretariat)
Other: No advance registration available/necessary

Earthquake Relief: Part any profits of this event will be donated to relief efforts for the Sept 8th earthquake centered around Abira.

Other proceeds will be used to support the transformational social and educational projects of “Worlds Meet Japan” (registered as a non-profit General Incorporated Association).