Japan Matsuri

Trafalgar Square, London
Japan Matsuri image
Ad
Event has ended
This event ended on Saturday 6th of October 2012
Admission
free
Venue Information
Trafalgar Square
, SW1Y 5BJ
Nearest Tube/Rail Stations
Charing Cross 0.05 miles

The much-loved Japan Matsuri returns to London on Saturday 6 October And this year it’s in Trafalgar Square in the centre of London. This dynamic annual event brings the Japanese community and Londoners together to enjoy Japanese food, music, dance and much more. Its new venue in Trafalgar Square will offer a fantastic chance to experience Japan in the very heart of London.

There will be day-long entertainment and interest for all the family with musical and martial arts performances on the two stages, family activities, and an extensive food market and stalls area.

On the Festival Stage the opening addresses will be made by leading figures in the UK and from the Japanese community, followed by music, dancing and a further varied programme of entertainment throughout the day. On the Martial Arts Stage demonstrations will continue all day including Aikido, Judo, Karate, Kendo and Naginata.

Events include:

Opening Ceremony
The Chairman of the Japan Matsuri Committee, Mr Keisaku Sano will formally declare the event open. The ceremonial cracking of a sake barrel will be followed by speeches from our main guests,His Excellency Mr Keiichi Hayashi, Ambassador of Japanas well as representatives from the British government, the Japan Society, the Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry in the UK , the Nippon Club and the Japanese Association.

Sakura Dojo – Iaido
Sakura dojo will demonstrate iaido – the art of drawing a Japanese sword – of the style Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu (Eishin-ryu for short), which dates back over 400 years. Members perform kata (set forms) individually and in pairs. At the end of the demonstration, there will be an opportunity to talk to demonstrators and ask questions.

Lolita Fashion by the Tea Party Club
Lolita fashion is a Japanese street-fashion style heavily influenced by historical European clothing that has gone full circle and found popularity in the UK. British lolita fashion group ‘The Tea Party Club’ will be putting on a style showcase catwalk and explaining some of the different sub-styles of lolita fashion.

Frank Chickens
One of John Peel’s favourite groups from the 80s is still alive and hatching. They won the Fosters Comedy God award in 2010, played at Royal Festival Hall and Barbican in 2011 and now here they are in Trafalgar Square. They are colourful and provocative. Have a taste of high quality subversiveness; from Tokyo to Tottenham!

London Taiko Drummers
The Grand Finale to Japan Matsuri 2011 is again provided by the inimitable London Taiko Drummers performing both traditional and original compositions. The mighty thunder of huge taiko drums, intricate and fascinating rhythms take us into the world of sound familiar to anyone who has experienced Matsuri in Japan. Their message to Matsuri? -’ This is the sound we belong to! Come and join us if you think this is the sound you were looking for!’

See official website for full schedule of events.

Tags: Festival

User Reviews

There are no user reviews