Japan Matsuri

Get moving with Radio Taiso, a classic Japanese exercise routine! 🎶 Originally from the 1920s, it's now on radio, TV, and online. Join Noel Thatcher MBE, six-time Paralympian and five-time gold medallist, for easy exercises that everyone can do.

NEW PERFORMANCE ANNOUNCEMENT! 🎉

Ready Singer One, the UK’s nerdiest vocal ensemble, joins Japan Matsuri for the first time to present a dazzling singing performance of your favourite Japanese songs from anime and video games! With high-energy renditions of much-loved songs from Pokemon, Attack on Titan, and more, prepare to be bathed in a wonderful four-part-harmony of Japanese pop culture hits!.

Check their website for more information about the group:
www.readysingerone.co.uk

With just a month left until this year's Japan Matsuri at Trafalgar Square, how about learning the steps to the official Japan Matsuri Song - IBUKI?!

Dance along with creator of London's Japan Matsuri Song, artist Naomi Suzuki, in this fun video which features Japan Matsuri fans from around the country and beyond, and get ready to dance with other members of the audience on the day! We can't wait to see your moves!
👉https://youtu.be/-6iFFXga7Dw

Japan Matsuri 2024 is just one month away - mark your calendars for 6th October!
Whether you're a fan of traditional music and dance, eager to try authentic Japanese cuisine, or simply want to soak up the atmosphere, Japan Matsuri has something for everyone.

Bring your friends and family and meet us at Trafalgar square!
Stay tuned for more updates, and see you in a month🎉
https://japanmatsuri.com/

For the first time at Japan Matsuri, watch “The Art of the Japanese Sword” presented by Hidekazu Ichinose - a sword-master involved in kabuki performances, primarily focusing on acting and choreography! Don’t miss this unique performance!

PERFORMER ANNOUNCEMENT! 📢

London International Concert Orchestra (LICO), a group of dedicated musicians that come from diverse backgrounds and professions, bring their uniquely high-level performance to Japan Matsuri 2024!

LICO’s performance this year includes excerpts from Super Mario Galaxy, Ghibli anime themes and NHK Period Drama “Sanada-Maru”. Don’t miss your chance to join in with their sing-along rendition of “Hana wa Saku”!

Check their website for more details about the group: https://li-co.org

KIMONODEGO WITH Hiroko Tanaka Nichbu Team

EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT! 🎉

Join us for the elegance of Nihon Buyo (traditional Japanese Dance) at Japan Matsuri! With influences from Kabuki, Noh, and folk dance, plus European and American trends, this showcase is sponsored by KIMONODEGO. Witness the fusion of traditional and western styles in beautiful kimonos. Don’t miss this enchanting performance!

NEW PERFORMANCE ALERT!
This is a special one – experience the energy of a Japanese rock band for the first time in this year’s Japan Matsuri! 🔥 With a lifelong passion for the Rolling Stones, The Heat brings a unique blend of classic British rock and distinct Japanese roots.

📣Look out for the mikoshi, a portable shrine with a phoenix on top, which will be carried around the square. If you hear the shouts of ‘Wasshoi! Wasshoi!’ you know you are in the right place!
See you there for this unforgettable time!

NEW PERFORMER ANNOUNCEMENT! 🎉

Are you familiar with Japanese Tango? For the first time at Japan Matsuri, enjoy relaxing tunes inspired by the God of Wind and the God of Passion with RiRuHa! This unique band features Izumi on Japanese bamboo flute and Megumi Tsuchiya (Meme) on button accordion.

Catch them at Japan Matsuri and see their original remake costumes and handmade flutes in action. They’ve even performed at international conferences like APEC and the UN!

Are you into Japanese martial arts? 🥋
Don’t miss the Kendo demonstration by the Wakaba Kendo Club! Founded in 1993 and based in Hoxton, Shoreditch, Wakaba is the largest children’s kendo dojo in London!✨

Join us in Trafalgar Square on 6 October!

✨ The London Okinawa Sanshinkai is coming to Japan Matsuri!

Get ready to celebrate cultural diversity and Okinawan heritage with the London Okinawa Sanshinkai! A group of enthusiasts dedicated to Okinawan folk and classical music and traditional dance.

📣 PERFORMANCE ALERT!

The Green Chorus has been spreading the joy of Japanese music across London at churches, festivals, and concerts for four decades, and just like every Japan Matsuri, they will be rocking the stage with their beautiful music!

Join us in Trafalgar Square on 6 October!

The SOAS Min’yō Group - PERFORMER ANNOUNCEMENT! 🎉

We’re excited to welcome The SOAS Min’yō Group to Japan Matsuri! Formed by Dr. David Hughes, this awesome UK-based group loves teaching and performing traditional Japanese music.

Get ready for a musical journey with shamisen, shakuhachi, and lots of audience participation.

soasminyo.wordpress.com

Don’t miss Joji Hirota and The London Taiko Drummers at Japan Matsuri! 🥁✨

Experience the power of Japanese traditional and contemporary taiko drumming.

👏Catch Yosakoi London – Temuzu in action at Japan Matsuri!

This vibrant Japanese dance group, based in London is sure to light up the stage at Japan Matsuri, don’t miss out!

Exciting News! 🎉

Join us for a colourful catwalk on the main stage, showcasing fan-made costumes inspired by Japan’s most popular animation and games! 🌟 This year’s show includes a tribute to the late Akira Toriyama, legendary manga artist and designer.

PLUS, our cosplay team is attempting to beat the World Record for the most people doing the “Kamehameha” from Dragon Ball, and we need your help! 🙌

Head to the main stage and be part of the action!

🎤 NEW PERFORMER ANNOUNCEMENT!

For the first time in Japan Matsuri, introducing L.J. English, a UK-born singer with a love for Japanese music! ✨

He specialises in Showa Kayoukyoku covers from the 1950s to the 1980s and tours globally, mesmerising audiences at Japan-themed festivals.

He’s also been featured on Tokyo TV’s “The Karaoke Battle.” Known for his energetic performances and dazzling costumes, delivers captivating shows worldwide.

PERFORMER ANNOUNCEMENT! 🎉

We will be joined by Shihan Julian Mead, a 7th Dan master in Ryukyu Kobujyutsu! 🥋✨ Trained in Japan, he has 37 years of experience teaching authentic worldwide.

Watch as he demonstrates the art of Ryukyu (Okinawan) traditional weapons, showcasing Kihon (basics), Kata (form), and Kumite (fighting), and highlighting the unique features of each weapon.

Awa Odori is coming to Japan Matsuri!

Experience the grandeur of Awa Odori, Japan's largest dance festival, right at Japan Matsuri!
Join our dance procession through the square, embodying the festival's spirit of joy! 💃

We invite everyone to dance with us and make unforgettable memories at this year's Matsuri!

🎉 DYK that Japan Matsuri has a signature song?

Catch the Japan Matsuri song "IBUKI" performed by Naomi Suzuki with Miyabi Nursery, Chelsea Kodomo no Hiroba & Young Stars! 🌟

Who is joining us?!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6iFFXga7Dw
Naomi Suzuki・AJ Unity (鈴木ナオミ）

We can't wait!
🚀2 MONTHS 2 GO🚀

✨ Get the latest information about Japan Matsuri here>
https://japanmatsuri.com/

📣Japan Matsuri 2024 Logo Reveal!

We are excited to share the logo for the Japan Matsuri 2024! ✨
Can you guess what was the inspiration for the design? Stay tuned to hear from the Japan Matsuri lead designer Nariaki Kanazawa!

🎌Japan Matsuri 2024 stall applications are now open! Come and join us at for London’s largest free Japanese cultural event on 6 October, a fantastic opportunity to showcase Japanese food, crafts and other products!

✉️ For more information on how to apply, please contact us at "[email protected]".

We hope to see you there!
📸 Photos by Makoto Kawakami

Throw back 10 years ago to Japan Matsuri 2014! ✨

In just three months, Japan Matsuri will light up Trafalgar Square with Japanese performances, delicious street food, and captivating cultural experiences. Stay tuned for more updates and sneak peeks of what's to come!

📅 Save the Date: 06/10/2024
📍 Location: Trafalgar Square

Mark your calendars! 🎌
JAPAN MATSURI, the largest celebration of Japanese culture in the UK, is back at Trafalgar Square on 6 October!

Get ready for a fantastic day filled with amazing food, cultural activities, and live performances.

✨Follow us for the latest updates✨

🇬🇧最大の🇯🇵のお祭り「ジャパン祭り」が、10月6日にトラファルガー広場で開催決定！
日本の食や文化を存分にお楽しみください！