On Saturday 6th October, the 4th Japan Matsuri took place in London. For the first time, this free festival was held in Trafalgar Square, right at the heart of London.

Japan Matsuri, organised by Japan Association (JA), The Japan Society, Nippon Club, Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI), is very a community project which aims to bring friends together in celebration in the same way as local festivals in Japan.

Left to right: Noriaki Sakamoto, Ambassador Hayashi,
David Cairns, Keisaku Sano

Rajio Taiso demonstration by performers from Japan

A full day's programme of various music, dance and cultural performances followed on both the main stage and martial arts stage throughout the day. In particular, this year visitors to Japan Matsuri were invited to join in Rajio Taiso, warm-up exercises broadcast every day on public NHK radio and television and known to anyone who has been to school in Japan.

NHK regular demonstrator-presenters Tago Hajime, Kaneko Risa and Oshimi Arisa, who had travelled from Japan specially to attend, led the enthusiastic crowd throughout the afternoon in a series of simple exercises. On a clear crisp autumn day, Rajio Taiso kept everyone’s circulation going and was a hit with all in the Square.

Also visiting from Japan was Tsugaru-jamisen master Akihiro Ichikawa, who played on the main stage alongside his student Hibiki Ichikawa (currently the only shamisen teacher in the UK), and Hibiki's own students from the UK. Accompanying them was singer Akari Mochizuki (formerly known as Alika Mochida).

Mr Ichikawa spoke of his excitement at being able to play in the UK for the first time, "I was surprised at just how many people had attended Japan Matsuri. The location and stage was fantastic. Speaking of his desire to share his love of the shamisen with the British public, Mr Ishikawa said, "Just as with taiko-drumming, the aim of playing shamisen is to be able to share the power of the instrument with the audience". He hoped that his performance in the UK might encourage more people to take up the instrument.

British Tsugaru-jamisen students perform with
Master Akihiro Ichikawa from Japan

To see a full list of performers please visit the official Japan Matsuri website at http://japanmatsuri.com/main-stage.

With so many wonderful performances at Japan Matsuri 2012, including those from such special guests from Japan, who will be perfoming at the next Japan Matsuri? We hope you will join us to find out.