Hiyoshiya is pleased to support the “Gion Festival Koiyama B.B. Tapestry Symposium,” to be held on Thursday, September 17, 2026, as part of the commemorative events celebrating the 160th anniversary of friendship between Japan and Belgium.

B.B. tapestries are Western woven tapestries made primarily from wool in Belgium, particularly in cities such as Brussels and Oudenaarde, around the 16th century.

They feature grand scenes inspired by classical epics, including the Trojan War, as well as historical and mythological themes.

Some of these precious tapestries have been carefully preserved as part of the festival decorations of Koiyama, one of the floats of Kyoto’s Gion Festival.

Much remains unknown about how these tapestries made their way to Japan. Today, they continue to be studied as historically significant cultural treasures that have been passed down in Kyoto for centuries.

At this symposium, researchers will share the findings of their studies on the history and background of these B.B. tapestries, including how they came to Japan and eventually became part of Koiyama’s festival decorations.

How did these precious works of art make their way to Kyoto, and what stories have they carried with them through the centuries?

And how can they be preserved and passed on to future generations?

As a workshop that has been carrying on traditional craftsmanship for generations, Hiyoshiya is honored to support this symposium and looks forward to learning more about the research and efforts to preserve these remarkable cultural treasures for the future.

We warmly invite you to join us.

Event Information

Japan–Belgium 160th Anniversary Commemorative Event

Gion Festival Koiyama B.B. Tapestry Symposium

From Early Modern Brussels to Koiyama:

B.B. Tapestries that Bring Color to Kyoto’s Gion Festival

Date: Thursday, September 17, 2026

Doors Open: 1:00 PM

Symposium Begins: 1:30 PM

Venue: Iwasaki Koyata Memorial Hall, International House of Japan

Admission: ¥3,000

Capacity: 150 people (first come, first served)

Tickets:

Koiyama Official Website / Ticket Information