JAPAN MATSURI 2015 held at Trafalgar Square on Saturday 19 September was a resounding success with over 70000 visitors passing through the festivities. This community event would not be possible without the many volunteers who give up their free time to ensure that the day runs smoothly. These "Matsuri Makers" work in the background in various roles - with stage management, as information assistants, and generally as mood-makers to help the public get into the festival spirit. We spoke to a few of the volunteers about their experience at this year's Matsuri.

Ayako Kon

I volunteered to support the festival as a manager of the volunteers. I thought it was a good opportunity to use my work experience (I used to work in a job which was related to managing business conferences and events in Japan) to contribute to this great event which introduces Japanese culture. My role in this year's Japan Matsuri was mainly to manage a group of more than 60 volunteers, comprising of various people, not only Japanese.

Ayako Kon

My role included many tasks, for example, before the festival I sent information about the schedule of preparation, details of their work and any other important points to volunteers. On the day of the festival, I managed their shifts and paid attention to see that the volunteers were comfortable and able to work together.

It was challenging work for me to manage a group of volunteers of all different backgrounds but a very valuable experience for me.

Through Japan Matsuri, I found this event helped me to understand not only Japanese culture but also each other by working together. Thanks to the festival, I met wonderful people and really enjoyed the experience!

I’ve always been interested in Japanese culture, from its rich history and its enchanting folklore, to its awe-inspiring architecture. I have always been captivated by it all, and around a year and a half ago an opportunity to immerse myself in a slice of Japanese culture presented itself, and I took it and wholeheartedly loved it. From last year’s Tanabata and Matsuri, to this years; the events have been breath-taking, each in their own way, and this year was no exception. Volunteering backstage, you get to see things from a different perspective, you get to hear the language, learn about the culture; you really get to envelop yourself in it all.

The event was extraordinary; it was stupendous; it was awesome. From the performers, down to the atmosphere, it was simply incredible. One of my favoured moments was hearing the closing act, London Taiko Drummers. The percussive action of those drums really made it all the more worthwhile. Even after having seen them perform on several occasions, the experience never diminishes. Another favoured moment was watching my fellow volunteers dancing to Guribu's performance. It was nice to see I wasn’t the only one enjoying it all.

I am grateful for the opportunity and always feel fortunate when looking back at it, and if I was asked to volunteer again, I wouldn’t hesitate.

Omar Khalil

Elaine Pooke

Since the 2012 Olympics I continued working as a volunteer for City Hall as a Managing London Ambassador on various programmes; Summer programme, New year’s firework, Borough Ambassador and on various other projects like the Chelsea flower show, Olympic park as a Park Champion and Association of China for Chinese New Year.

Elaine Pooke

Many opportunities come through City Hall and I admit that I was waiting for the opportunity since October 2014 to work at the Japan Matsuri 2015 and finally it arrived. I was quick to respond, got the job and wore the T-shirt!

My connection with the Japanese community is a great romantic story, my son James who met an extraordinary talented beautiful Japanese girl here in London, their bond being music, he swept her off her feet and married her. They are very happy living in Tokyo, and are expecting their first child. He helps her with her business and she is a famous Japanese song writer and singer “KOKIA”. He also teaches English to Japanese people and children. 

The Japan Matsuri event for me was totally engaging, full of colour, fantastic costumes, great talent on main stage and the martial arts performances was spectacular. This year was focused on education, with wonderful young talented performing artists on stage from banging a drum, dancing and making great sounds with a violin. 

I like to visit the stalls where people were engaging and were extremely friendly. I particularly enjoyed working in a team of enthusiastic positive volunteers at this great event in Trafalgar Square.

Alexandru Suciu

I was selected as one of the volunteers for Japan Matsuri 2015. This is the second time I offered myself as a volunteer for this event. At this event, people are brought together to enjoy food, music, dance and fascinating activities. My role was that of a general assistant, which means distributing materials and informing people about the event. This year’s event has attracted more visitors and participants than in the previous editions. It is an amazing experience to participate at such an event. I offered myself as a volunteer because I love the Japanese nation and its people.

My connection to Japan started very early. I was about five years old when I started practising karate. I practised for about six years, during which time I learned how to count and describe certain moves in Japanese. Then I continued learning Japanese from my uncle (a Japanese teacher) who gave me a book that helped me to learn the language. I also used to watch Japanese cartoons and read manga when I was little, things which gave me a creative inspiration.

The biggest step was when I moved to London. Here I met more groups of Japanese people and I managed to build up friendships at the university, by volunteering and by attending some weekly Japanese meet-ups. Recently I have even started practising judo.

Alexandru Suciu

Japan and the Japanese culture have helped me to win medals, improve my language skills, develop friendships, a new lifestyle and even dream to become an Olympic champion in judo at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. I will always respect Japanese principles, lifestyle and punctuality for the rest of my life. Thank you Japan for changing my life.

JICC