150 years ago, 19 young men secretly left Satsuma for the UK to embark on a period of study in London. They were intrepid pioneers and paved the way for friendly relations to exist between our two countries. In celebration of links between the UK and Satsuma, present-day Kagoshima, Japan Matsuri has the pleasure of welcoming some special performers from Kagoshima in Japan. IZAKU TAIKO ODORI (IZAKU DRUM DANCERS) - 伊作太鼓踊り The Izaku Drum Dancers from Kagoshima in southern Japan continue a tradition passed down through many generations. It is the vigorous victory dance of Shimazu Hisayoshi dating from 1406 with the dancers closely resembling warriors of the time. Each drum dancer wears a banner of bamboo and paper, 2.5 m tall, strapped to his back, is adorned with the black tail feathers of the Satsuma rooster and beats a drum fixed to his chest. Each outfit weighs nearly 20 kilos. The dance is performed each year on 28 August at Minami Kata Shrine by one of six groups. This year, it is the turn of the group from Iriki. Japan Matsuri is delighted to welcome Izaku Drum Dancers (Iriki Group) to London in this special year for Kagoshima-London relations. SATSUMA KENSHI HAYATO - 薩摩剣士隼人 Satsuma Kenshi Hayato, is a samurai from Kagoshima. He is strong and compassionate, a lover of Kagoshima’s beautiful landscape, traditions and food. His sword has no lethal blade and he defeats his enemies through mutual understanding and a meeting of minds. He is joined on his first trip out of Asia by Yassembo, the mischievous fox spirit, who is always looking to misbehave and ways to trick our Satsuma hero.

© Japan Matsuri 2015 All rights reserved