Japan Matsuri 2023
2023/10/1
© Gregory Owein
On 1 October, the 13th Japan Matsuri was held at Trafalgar Square in London, the first time in four years, drawing more than 40,000 visitors.
At the opening ceremony, which began with the sound of Japanese taiko drumming, Ambassador HAYASHI Hajime gave a speech in which he expressed his hope that Japan Matsuri would add extra value to London’s rich and diverse culture and society. He was also confident that, in addition to the various Japanese cultural performances, visitors would also enjoy safe and tasty Japanese food, including fishery products and fruits, from Fukushima, Hokkaido, and Kumamoto.
Furthermore, executive guests including The Rt Hon Jeremy Hunt MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer, and the Lord Mayor of Westminster, Councillor Patricia McAllister said that with the friendship and cooperation between Japan and the UK stronger than ever, they were very pleased that the Japan Matsuri would be held thanks to the great efforts of the people involved, and that it would be a good opportunity for many people to learn about the charms of Japan.
Visitors to Japan Matsuri enjoyed a full day of performances embracing Japanese dance such as Nihon Buyo and Yosakoi, martial arts demonstrations, regional music including traditional Ainu songs and folk music from Okinawa, a cosplay show, and a special guest appearance by Britain's Got Talent finalist Tonikaku Akarui ‘Tony’ Yasumura.
At the opening ceremony, which began with the sound of Japanese taiko drumming, Ambassador HAYASHI Hajime gave a speech in which he expressed his hope that Japan Matsuri would add extra value to London’s rich and diverse culture and society. He was also confident that, in addition to the various Japanese cultural performances, visitors would also enjoy safe and tasty Japanese food, including fishery products and fruits, from Fukushima, Hokkaido, and Kumamoto.
Furthermore, executive guests including The Rt Hon Jeremy Hunt MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer, and the Lord Mayor of Westminster, Councillor Patricia McAllister said that with the friendship and cooperation between Japan and the UK stronger than ever, they were very pleased that the Japan Matsuri would be held thanks to the great efforts of the people involved, and that it would be a good opportunity for many people to learn about the charms of Japan.
Visitors to Japan Matsuri enjoyed a full day of performances embracing Japanese dance such as Nihon Buyo and Yosakoi, martial arts demonstrations, regional music including traditional Ainu songs and folk music from Okinawa, a cosplay show, and a special guest appearance by Britain's Got Talent finalist Tonikaku Akarui ‘Tony’ Yasumura.