★ Remembering the Earthquake and Tsunami

This year our exhibition and activities will focus on remembering the devastating earthquake and tsunami which struck Japan on 11th March 2011. A wide range of people and grassroots organizations from all over London and beyond have come together to offer you a fantastic spectrum of fun activities all designed to direct our thoughts and offer support to the survivors.

★ Japan Tsunami Exhibition – Yet I Still Dare to Hope

Yet I Still Dare to Hope – an exceptionally thought provoking exhibition focusing on the lives of survivors of the Japan tsunami. It explores how 14 families in the north-eastern Japanese town of Shichigahama, one of the areas hit hardest by the 11th March Tsunami, are rebuilding their lives after the destruction, through an intimate collection of photographs taken by local resident Christina Aiton. The photos are accompanied by narratives from each survivor and feature items from the disaster-hit area. The exhibition has been organised by disaster relief organisations Tohoku Earthquake Relief Project London (http://terp-london.co.uk/) and Seven Beach Aid (http://sevenbeachaid.org/en-GB/).

★ Japan Tsunami Messages of Hope – Yet I Still Dare to Hope Exhibition

Visitors to the Yet I Still Dare to Hope exhibition will be able to leave messages of support that will be shared directly with the townspeople, encouraging those that have been directly affected and letting them know that they are not alone in the face of such a difficult time. There will also be ample opportunity to donate and purchase charity goods for the benefit of the residents of Shichigahama and Miyagi Prefecture.

★ Origami fun for all the family

The London group of the British Origami Society will be demonstrating the amazing art of origami anddisplaying some of their fantastic work. If you would like to try origami or learn to make something specialby folding paper, just call by and see how it’s done. The British Origami Society has been running formore than 40 years and has an active membership of more than 600 members worldwide. It organisesevents both nationally and locally where enthusiasts can meet and share their interest for the craft. Formore information on the Society, have a look at their website; http://www.britishorigami.info.

★ Senbazuru – Thousand Origami Cranes – 千羽鶴

We warmly encourage everyone to join in our ‘Senbazuru’ project. In Japanese culture, it is widely believed thatfolding 1000 paper origami cranes makes a wish come true. This initiative has been made possible for the first timeat the Japan Matsuri, where we will teach you how to make paper cranes, which you can in turn donate, if you wish.

★ Calligraphy

Try your hand at drawing Japanese Kanji characters and see how the professionals do it. During the day weoffer small calligraphy workshops and demonstrations of calligraphy – learn how to write your name incharacters. http://www.shohoteramoto.com/

★ Taiko Drum Making

Learn the fascinating secrets of how taiko drums are made and how they create their unique sound – workshopsand demonstrations will run throughout the day. For more information see: http://www.taikocentre.org.uk/

★ Manga Wall

An amazing chance for you to draw your own Manga on a massive canvas. Learn about what makesManga a special form of art. You will also have an opportunity to draw or write a message of support forthe tsunami survivors. http://www.graffitiworks.co.uk/

★ Fun Activities and Charity Stalls

Throughout the day a host of grassroots groups, charities and young people will be offering a broadspectrum of Japan-related fun activities ranging from creating your own matsuri decorations to designingJapanese costumes. Volunteers will be running workshops and demonstration during the day. Ourvolunteers will also be collecting donations to help support the tsunami survivors.

★ Treasure Hunt

We have designed an exciting treasure hunt which will teach you facts about the 11th March 2011 Earthquake and Tsunami.Those who complete the course and find all the clues will get a fantastic gift which helps support the earthquake survivors.