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Tuesday, 24th September 2013
In General Japan News,
London gears up for Japanese festival
Anyone interested in Japanese culture or travelling to Japan should attend London's Matsuri festival, which is due to take place in Trafalgar Square on October 5th
Preparations for the event are well underway, and the organisers have just this week released information on the sorts of events attendees can expect to participate in.
As well as a plethora of food stalls serving the very finest in Japanese cuisine - from sushi and sashimi to the famous Osaka street food okonomiyaki - there will be Japanese dance, taiko drumming and even a Nodo Jiman karaoke contest with a range of prizes up for grabs.
Visitors can also try their hands at drawing manga cartoons or getting dressed up in a kimono, while two stages will be set up with a view to hosting a huge number of performances throughout the day.
There is also the opportunity to witness Japanese martial arts, including thrilling demonstrations from accomplished Aikido, Judo, Karate, Kendo and Naginata practitioners.
The day kicks off with a special opening ceremony from 11am, and promises to be a particularly glittering occasion after the success of last year's festival, which also took place in Trafalgar Square and saw 70,000 people attend.
"The Japanese community in London is well-established with strong historical roots and this is a significant year for London’s connection with Japan," commented Japan Matsuri Ltd, which organises the event.
"400 years ago the first British trading post was established in Japan by the East India Company after an expedition led by London-born commander, John Saris."
Japan Matsuri 2013 is endorsed by His Excellency Mr Keiichi Hayashi, the Ambassador of Japan, who will be in attendance during the festival.
The event is sure to be enjoyable for the entire family, and if you didn't particularly want to visit Japan before you attend, you certainly will afterwards.
Written by Mark Smith
Inside Japan UK office
Inside Japan US office
Inside Japan Australia office
Inside Japan - Japan office
