Japan Matsuri, the UK's largest annual celebration of Japanese culture and cuisine, will take over Trafalgar Square on Sunday, October 4, from 10am to 8pm. The free event, now in its 17th year, offers a deep dive into both classical traditions and modern pop culture, from taiko drumming and Kabuki theatre to manga, anime, and J-pop.
A day of performances and cultural showcases
The festival kicks off at 10am with an hour-long opening ceremony featuring Joji Hirota and The London Taiko Drummers. Throughout the day, attendees can enjoy performances by Ready Singer One, the UK's only anime and videogame choir, and LJ English, who will sing classic Japanese showa ballads from the 1940s to the 1980s. Modern girl group ASP will bring a taste of contemporary J-pop, while Shiranamikai Karate demonstrates live combat.
Fans of cosplay can participate in a catwalk dressed as their favorite game and anime characters. Other highlights include Japanese calligraphy performances, Tamashi drummers, and geisha dancing by Kimono de Go.
Ambassador highlights UK-Japan bonds
Hiroshi Suzuki, Japan's ambassador to the UK, expressed his delight, saying, "Japan Matsuri offers a great opportunity to enjoy Japanese culture in many ways." He added, "This festival has been made possible by the tremendous voluntary efforts of Japanese residents in the UK and British friends of Japan, and the generous support from the sponsors. I would like to express my deep gratitude to all involved."
The event is sponsored by the Japanese Embassy and celebrates the enduring bonds (Kizuna) between Japan and the UK. Visitors can explore stalls offering Japanese foods, drinks, origami, and travel information about Japan.
Event details
Japan Matsuri takes place in Trafalgar Square on Sunday, October 4, from 10am to 8pm. Admission is free, and the festival is expected to draw thousands of attendees.
