Japanese Calendars 2026 at the Palacio del Lombillo

Two exhibitions—one featuring calendars and another devoted to cats—are currently enriching the galleries of the Palacio del Lombillo, in Havana’s Historic Center, thanks to the Embassy of Japan in Cuba.

The opening of the traditional Japanese Calendars 2026 Exhibition took place at this cultural institution, located in Plaza de la Catedral, with the attendance of Namba Atsushi, Minister-Counselor at the Embassy of Japan; Aliana Martínez, Director of the Palacio del Lombillo; and Tajika Akishi, Head of the Culture and Press Section of the diplomatic mission.

This year’s exhibition features 80 calendars showcasing both Japanese and international landscapes. Donated by the Japan Calendar Association, the calendars will remain on display until January 10, at 10:30 a.m., when they will be raffled among Cuban visitors at the Palacio del Lombillo.

The venue is also hosting the photographic exhibition Vecinos Nobles, by artist Ohashi Kazunori, inaugurated as part of the recently concluded Japanese Cultural Festival, in collaboration with the Japan Institute of Photography Industry.

Comprising 30 portraits of cats of different breeds, the exhibition highlights the cultural significance of felines in Japan, where they are regarded as symbols of protection, good fortune, mystery, and tradition.

Taken together, the two exhibitions illustrate the strong appeal of Japanese culture among Cubans—particularly young people—and underscore the ongoing ties of cooperation between the Japanese diplomatic mission and Cuban cultural institutions.

Translated by Luis E. Amador Dominguez