About Japan Matsuri
Message from Chairman of Committee | “ジャパン祭りに寄せて”ーJapan Matsuri実行委員会長よりー
I am delighted to celebrate the opening of the Second Japan Matsuri, with the Joint Hosts – JRA and The Japan Society supported by The Japanese Embassy in London.
What is Matsuri? Well, in simple terms it means Festival or Holiday and the Matsuri was historically sponsored by a shrine or temple as part of the practice of “Honouring Your Ancestors”.
We look forward to the continuing development of our two countries in the future but we must not forget the past efforts of our two peoples in achieving the close relationship we now enjoy over the past centuries.
Finally, I wish to once again celebrate through this Japan Matsuri “Everlasting Prosperity” for the future together with the people who are with us in the present day.
Keisaku “Sandy” Sano
Chairman of The Executive Committee Japan Matsuri
- – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – -
“ジャパン祭りに寄せて”
この度日本大使館からのご後援を戴き、又 Japan Society、並びに英国日本人会の共同主催により第二回ジャパン祭りが開催出来ま
す事を心からお祝いいたします。
祭りの原点であります“祖先を祭る”事にも由来し、この“ジャパン祭り”は往事の人々を想いつつ、現在、将来の日英両国の発展を願うもので有ります。
我々の未来の－彌栄（いやさかえ）－を大いに皆様と共にお祝いいたします。
佐野 圭作
ジャパン祭り実行委員会 会長
Why hold a Japan Matsuri | Japan Matsuri開催主旨
Matsuri in Japan are a celebration of a local community; they involve local organisations, groups of friends and families. Even the major festivals, which attract visitors from all over Japan and the world, have their roots in community.
Japan Matsuri at Spitalfields is no different. London now has a Japanese community of over 60,000 people. This is
their opportunity to celebrate with friends of any nationality and with their families. We were overwhelmed and delighted that so m
any people came to the 2009 matsuri. Despite (or because of) the crowds, there was a lively, friendly atmosphere and a real sense of Japan.
We look forward to welcoming you to Japan Matsuri in Spitalfields again this year. There is something for everyone: whether you have lived in Japan and feel nostalgic for the sights and smells of matsuri; are a Japanese student, office worker or artist keen to get together with friends; or are simply curious about Japan and what it looks like in London.
Come and join us – even better, get involved! There will be activities and opportunities for visitors of all age to take part in. We’re also recruiting a team of volunteers: if you are interested in contributing in this way, please get in touch.
We look forward to seeing you again in September.
Heidi Potter
Thanks to:
photo (c) john sturrock
