Pa-O Youth in Japan Celebrate 77th Pa-O National Day in Nagoya

March 12, 2026. The 77th Pa-O National Day commemoration was held jointly by Pa-O people living across Japan at the Ichinomiya Sports and Culture Center in Nagoya, Japan.

The event was organized jointly by Pa-O people and youth living throughout Japan, aiming to preserve and promote their language, literature, culture and national identity, and to strengthen unity among Pa-O people living across Japan.

“Celebrating Pa-O National Day is meant to keep our language, literature and culture from disappearing while we live abroad, and it’s important that the new generation of Pa-O youth never forgets their roots,” said Nan Nyein Hmwe, a young Pa-O woman living in Japan.

The event was also intended to let Pa-O people scattered across Japan reunite, deepen ties with one another, and strengthen unity.

Pa-O National Day is a historic and sacred day for the Pa-O people, marking the birthday of King Thuriya Sanda of the Sakya dynasty.

The event included wearing traditional Pa-O dress, showcasing traditional food, and cultural performances. Organizers also said the gathering aimed to help Pa-O families in Japan build social and mutual-support networks.

Despite challenges such as Japan’s permit requirements for public gatherings, high venue rental costs and differing work schedules, organizers said they plan to continue holding Pa-O National Day every year.

This year’s event was the fifth time Pa-O National Day has been held in Japan, with around 450 people attending. As Pa-O National Day traditionally falls on the full moon day of Tabaung, Pa-O associations in Japan plan to keep holding it every year. With the growing number of Pa-O people arriving in Japan for education and work, organizers said the event will continue as an important annual occasion for newcomers and long-time residents to meet and welcome new arrivals.