Japan takes centre stage on the Grand-Place in the 2026 Flower Carpet ​ ​

Brussels, 13 August 2026 - the 24th edition of the Flower Carpet on Brussels’ Grand-Place is finally here. This year, Japan is in the spotlight. Ten years on from a highly acclaimed first collaboration, it returns to the Grand-Place to mark the 160th anniversary of diplomatic relations and friendship between the two countries. New for this year’s event: a second flower carpet can be admired at the Bourse, creating a spectacular floral trail in the centre of Brussels. Visitors to the Grand-Place are also treated to a sound and light show every day from 9.45 p.m. to 11 p.m.

This year, the City has the privilege of welcoming Japan as guest of honour, ten years on from its highly acclaimed participation in 2016. “The Flower Carpet is one of the capital’s must-see summer events. Each edition attracts tourists as well as Brussels residents who are totally captivated by this unique spectacle, which combines technical expertise, artistic creativity and a celebration of our heritage. Japan’s presence this year takes on a special significance, given that it is recognised worldwide for the excellence and refinement of its floral art,” says Nawal Ben Hamou, Alderwoman for Housing, Equal Opportunities, Tourism and Major Events in the City of Brussels, and President of the non-profit organisation Tapis de Fleurs de Bruxelles.

Combined with the installation of a second flower carpet at the Bourse and the ‘Shops in Bloom’ event, Brussels offers tourists and residents of the capital a stunning floral trail right in the city centre. ​

An artistic dialogue between two nations ​

At the end of the 19th century, Japanese ukiyo-e prints sparked a genuine artistic revolution in Europe, known as Japonisme. The 2026 Flower Carpet renews this fascination. The motif chosen for this edition, Neo Hokusai, reinterprets The Great Wave off Kanagawa, one of the most famous works by the Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai, taken from his series Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji (1831–1834). The design was created by the Japanese artist Hiro Sugiyama, who leads the contemporary art collective Enlightenment, which blends the energy of digital art with the elegance of traditional Japanese motifs. ​

“Neo Hokusai draws on Katsushika Hokusai’s bold compositions, vibrant colours and storytelling, enhanced with geometric lines, contemporary blocks of colour and a level of precision made possible by digital technology. In this important year, marking 160 years of friendship between Belgium and Japan, I am delighted to bring Neo Hokusai to life in the form of a Flower Carpet in the centre of Brussels,” explains the artist Hiro Sugiyama.

The Flower Carpet also incorporates several traditional Japanese symbols: the ichimatsu pattern (a chequered design signifying ‘endless continuity’ and ‘prosperity’) adorns the borders at the top and bottom, while the kumiko ranma pattern, a traditional woodworking technique, embellishes the side borders. The coat of arms of the City of Brussels appears in the four corners of the design.

His Excellency Takeshi Osuga, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Belgium, welcomes this collaboration: “It is a great honour for Japan to be this year’s guest of honour of the famous Brussels Flower Carpet, marking 160 years of friendship between Japan and Belgium. I sincerely hope that the 24th edition will inspire all those who visit it to reflect on the beauty of nature and the enduring ties between our two nations.”

The dahlia, king of the Grand-Place

The dahlia, the flower of choice for the Flower Carpet since 2024, will once again serve as the main component of the display. The 2026 edition will include more than 750,000 dahlias, covering almost 1,300 m², or 80 per cent of the carpet. The organisers decided to renew their partnership with the Loenhout Floral Parade Association.

The carpet is rolled out to the Bourse

New for this year’s edition: alongside the flower carpet on the Grand-Place, the Bourse building will host its own flower carpet from 13 to 16 August. Inspired by hops, a symbol of Belgium’s brewing heritage, this creation showcases natural colours and a world that blends tradition with plants. The two carpets will form a spectacular floral trail linking the Grand-Place to the Bourse.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

The Grand-Place remains freely accessible during the event.

©FlowerCarpet_MasterShootHiro Sugiyama, artiste / Son Excellence Takeshi Osuga / Nawal Ben Hamou, échevine / ©FlowerCarpet_MasterShoot

©FlowerCarpet_MasterShoot

©FlowerCarpet_MasterShoot

Hiro Sugiyama, artiste / Nawal Ben Hamou, échevine / Son Excellence Takeshi Osuga / ©FlowerCarpet_MasterShoot©FlowerCarpet_MasterShoot