Ankhi and Rumi to Perform at Japan Boishakhi Fair

A vibrant celebration of Bengali New Year is set to take place in Japan as expatriate Bangladeshis prepare to host a special cultural event titled “Boishakhi Mela Japan” in Misato City. The programme will bring together music, festivity and community spirit, featuring performances by renowned Bangladeshi singers Ankhi Alamgir and Arfin Rumey.

The event will be held on Sunday at Lirio Park in Misato City, Saitama Prefecture, and is expected to run from morning until evening. Alongside live musical performances, the venue will also host a traditional Boishakhi fair, creating a festive environment reminiscent of celebrations in Bangladesh.

Organised by members of the Bangladeshi expatriate community in Japan, the initiative aims to recreate the spirit of Pahela Baishakh abroad, offering migrants a cultural connection to their homeland. According to organisers, the event is intended to serve as a large-scale reunion for the Bangladeshi diaspora, combining cultural nostalgia with community engagement.

They described the programme as an effort to “build a small Bangladesh abroad”, reflecting the emotional importance of cultural identity among expatriates living far from home in demanding professional environments.

Star attractions of the event

The main highlights of the programme will be performances by Ankhi Alamgir and Arfin Rumey, both of whom enjoy widespread popularity in Bangladesh’s contemporary music scene. They will be joined on stage by other performers, including Bappi, Rana, Ujjal, and Mehedi, adding further variety to the musical lineup.

Event overview

Arfin Rumey’s international debut excitement

Speaking ahead of the event, Arfin Rumey expressed enthusiasm about performing in Japan for the first time. He highlighted the collaborative nature of the show, noting that sharing the stage with Ankhi Alamgir made the experience even more special.

“This is my first performance in Japan,” he said. “I am here with Ankhi Apa, and we will perform together, share music and joy. Our aim is to create a memorable experience for everyone attending.”

Rumey, one of the most active voices in contemporary Bangladeshi music, continues to remain in demand both in film and television playback. He recently lent his voice to the title track of the popular drama series “Eta Amaderi Golpo”. In addition, he has released several recent songs, including “Rin”, “Madhyobitto”, “Kichukkhon”, “Apon”, and “Premer Radio”, further strengthening his presence in the modern music landscape.

Ankhi Alamgir’s continued musical journey

Singer Ankhi Alamgir remains equally active in both domestic and international stage performances. She continues to tour regularly while also releasing new music.

Earlier this year, she recorded a song titled “Jora Shalik” for Bangladesh Television. Prior to that, in October of the previous year, she released another track titled “Prem Byapari”, which received attention among her listeners.

A cultural bridge for the diaspora

The Boishakhi Mela in Japan reflects the growing trend of cultural festivals organised by expatriate communities across the world. For many Bangladeshis living abroad, such events serve not only as entertainment but also as a vital link to cultural identity, language and tradition.

With music, fairground activities and community participation, the Misato City event is expected to transform into a lively celebration of Bengali heritage, bringing together families and individuals from across Japan for a shared moment of cultural connection and festive joy.