London Okinawa Day is a yearly festival celebrating the unique music, food, and culture of Japan's southernmost prefecture. Okinawa Prefecture encompasses an archipelago of islands in Southern Japan that formed part of the historic Ryukyu Kingdom and as such has its own distinct music and traditions.

Okinawa Day 2025 is a family friendly event that will introduce the audience to music, dances, and food from the islands of the Ryukyu archipelago to highlight its incredibly rich cultural diversity.

A variety of performances showcasing Okinawan culture will feature throughout the day. From elegant Ryukyu Classical Music and energetic sanshin performances of Okinawan Folk Songs to traditional Eisa dance performances. There will be the chance to try Eisa dance through a workshop taught by the Sonda Youth Association along with demonstrations of Ryukyu Karate, a martial art originating from Okinawa.

In addition, guest performers from the Japanese islands of Yaeyama and Amami will be visiting the UK to showcase their unique island folk songs and dances. Visitors can also expect to see guest performers from Switzerland and France thanks to our long-standing friendship with the Paris Sanshin Club.

Taking advantage of the Blue Market’s historic use as a street market, Okinawan cuisine, food, and crafts will be on sale from a variety of stalls run by the London Okinawa Sanshinkai and other independent retailers.

Okinawa Day 2025 will take place in London at Bermondsey's Blue Market (SE16 3UQ) on Saturday 28th June from 11am-5pm.

Admission: Free