The UK’s biggest annual festival of Japanese culture and food is coming back to Trafalgar Square – with incredible live performances
The land of the rising sun will soon cast its glare over central London with a free festival celebrating all things Japanese. That’s right, Japan Matsuri – the UK’s biggest annual festival of Japanese culture and food, will return to Trafalgar Square on Sunday, October 4, from 10am to 8pm.
Whether it’s the beat of taiko drums, the beautiful white-faced ladies of Gion, or the eye-popping visuals of Kabuki theatre, Japan Matsuri opens a door into all aspects of classical Japanese culture, as well as the country’s cutting-edge entertainment industries of manga, anime and computer games. And let’s not forget J-pop.
For 17 years, Japan Matsuri has been a fixture of the capital, sponsored by the Japanese Embassy, giving Londoners and visitors alike a chance to enjoy the long-standing bonds (Kizuna 絆) between Japan and the UK. The day begins at 10am with an hour-long opening ceremony from Joji Hirota and The London Taiko Drummers.
Elsewhere, audiences will be treated to performances from Ready Singer One, the UK’s only anime and videogame choir, while LJ English will sing classic Japanese showa (pop) ballads spanning the 1940s to the 1980s. Modern girl group ASP will crowds a taste of J-pop, while audiences can marvel at otherworldly live combat from Shiranamikai Karate.
A cosplay catwalk featuring dozens of fans dressed as their favourite characters from games and anime, while performances of Japanese calligraphy, Tamashi drummers, and geisha dancing courtesy of Kimono de Go.
Hiroshi Suzuki, Japan’s ambassador to the UK, said it gave him “great joy” to welcome visitors to the festival. Mr Suzuki said: “Japan Matsuri offers a great opportunity to enjoy Japanese culture in many ways.
“Throughout the day, the stage will feature a diverse programme of performances, including demonstrations of martial arts, traditional music and pop culture. You will also find a variety of stalls offering delicious Japanese foods and drinks, cultural attractions such as origami, and travel tips on Japan’s many fascinating destinations.
“This festival has been made possible by the tremendous voluntary efforts of Japanese residents in the UK and British friends of Japan, and the generous support from the sponsors. I would like to express my deep gratitude to all involved.”
Japan Matsuri takes place in Trafalgar Square on Sunday, October 4, from 10am to 8pm
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