The UK’s biggest FREE Japanese event goes online for the first time in the last weekend of September! Streaming between 10:00-20:00 on Saturday 26th and 09:00 -20:00 on Sunday 27th September.
Food demos, headline musical acts, dance, martial arts and talks will stream live and on demand over two days right here on the Japan Matsuri Presents website.
Japan Matsuri has grown steadily in scale and scope over that past 11 years and is now undoubtedly a mainstay of the cultural calendar. Even though we are unable to physically gather on this occasion, I am delighted that together we will be able to enjoy the UK’s biggest free showcase of Japanese culture online, in the form of Japan Matsuri Presents.
This fascinating programme, to take place over the two days of 26 and 27 September, highlights the traditional aspects of Japanese culture as well as contemporary offerings. You will be able to enjoy performances of music, dance, martial arts, storytelling and much more. In addition, the online format allows for stimulating interactive elements with live cooking demonstrations, talks and family-friendly activities.
One particular highlight of this event is Tomioka Dance Club, who went viral in Japan and beyond with their 1980s-inspired hit dance video in 2017. They have created a new dance routine especially for Japan Matsuri Presents, so be sure not to miss it.
I have been heartened to see the great determination shown by the organisers and the dedicated volunteers in finding totally new ways to present some fascinating aspects of Japanese culture. This time, I would like to extend my gratitude to all those who have worked tirelessly to make this online endeavour a reality. I hope you all enjoy the programme.
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR OF THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE
First held in 2009, Japan Matsuri has entertained large audiences and has become annual fixture at Trafalgar Square for the last eight years. This enjoyable event is organised every year by the Japan Matsuri Company.
This year, just like every year, we had planned to hold the event in the heart of London. Unfortunately, events of this kind involving large crowds are no longer possible in this current climate due to Covid-19. For this reason, we have decided to hold the event online which will be the first time for us to do so. A great number of people have been affected by the pandemic and as a mark of respect, we have decided to use the name Japan Matsuri Presents instead of ‘Matsuri’ (festival) for our event which highlights the best of Japanese culture in performing arts, martial arts, cuisine, tourism and so much more. We had arranged for Tomioka Dance Club, a group talented high school students, to appear onstage in person in Trafalgar Square but even still we can now watch them on our screens perform a new dance specially made for the occasion. We sincerely hope you enjoy the wide-ranging programme of events this year.
I would like to use this opportunity to convey my appreciation to the Embassy of Japan, the member of Organising Committee and the large number of volunteers for their considerable efforts in making Japan Matsuri Presents a reality.
While we are unable to foresee what the future holds, we hope to be able to return to Trafalgar Square and host Japan Matsuri next year.