It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the Japan Matsuri, now in its eighth year. This splendid festival is a great opportunity for

you to experience Japan in its various aspects, including traditional and contemporary culture, dynamic martial arts, dance, music and drumming as well as food and other products without having to travel all the way there.

This much-anticipated spectacle has become steadily bigger and better, and it is clearly the leading event of its kind in the UK. This year, we once again have some special performers who have made the journey from Japan. Among the many attractions you should not miss, I am particularly pleased to welcome the Aozasa Shishi Odori dance troupe from Iwate Prefecture in northeast Japan as well as traditional Japanese conjuring tricks known as Tezuma. Both will be performing for the first time in the UK thanks to the support of the Japan Foundation.

Today’s programme, by showcasing the wealth and breadth of Japanese culture, will inspire

everyone, both Londoners and visitors from elsewhere. It is my sincere hope that the Japan Matsuri will further strengthen the ties between Japan and United Kingdom by imbuing the heart of London with a new burst of cultural energy.

May I express my gratitude to the Greater London Authority and the City of Westminster Council for accommodating this Matsuri so warmly every year. This venture has been made possible by the dedication of local organisations including the Japan Association in the UK, the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the UK, the Japan Society and the Nippon Club, as well as through the generosity of a number of corporate sponsors. My deep appreciation also goes to every member of the Matsuri Executive Committee – you have voluntarily put in countless hours, with so much enthusiasm and energy, to make this huge undertaking a reality every year. And last but not least, this event would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of a number of generous volunteers working behind the scenes. My thanks to all of you.

I know this Matsuri is going to be a great success. Let’s make the most of it.

Message from His Excellency Mr Koji Tsuruoka

Ambassador of Japan

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Main Stage

Programme

Martial Arts Stage

11:00 Judo with the Budokwai

12:30 Okinawan Traditional Goju-ryu Karate

13:00 London Aikikai

13:30 Wakaba Kendo Club

14:00 Okinawan Traditional Goju-ryu Karate

14:45 Wakaba Kendo Club

15:30 London Aikikai

16:00 Wakaba Kendo Club

17:00 Wakaba Kendo Club

The demonstration schedule may be subject to change without notice.

10:00Taiko Performance Japan Matsuri Song “IBUKI” with Naomi Suzuki

10:30Opening CeremonyTeikyo School Mikoshi Procession

11:00

Radio TaisoAozasa Shishi-Odori dance troupeJapanese School ChoirEisa Dance – London Bunka Yochien

12:00

Radio TaisoTeikyo School Mikoshi ProcessionGreen ChorusSOAS Min’yo Group

13:00JSD Crew: Street danceJapan Matsuri Song “IBUKI” with Naomi SuzukiNodo Jiman (Karaoke contest)

14:00Radio TaisoTezuma (conjuring tricks) with Taiju FujiyamaAozasa Shishi-Odori dance troupe

15:00British Suzuki InstituteHiroko Tanaka Nihon Buyo Group

16:00

JSD Crew: Street danceJapan Matsuri Song “IBUKI” with Naomi SuzukiRadio TaisoHibiki Ensemble

17:00

Enka song with Jiro YamauchiReijiro Tsumura – “Baron Nishi ~ Skyward ~”Radio TaisoNaomi Suzuki BAND

18:00Tezuma (conjuring tricks) with Taiju FujiyamaAozasa Shishi-Odori dance troupeRadio Taiso

19:00Japan Matsuri Song “IBUKI” with Naomi SuzukiJoji Hirota & The London Taiko Drummers

The performance schedule may be subject to change without notice.

■ Main Stage

■ Martial Arts Stage

■ Activity Area

■ Food Stalls

■ North Terrace

■ South Side

■ Information Centre

Japan Matsuri Map

MARTIAL ARTS STAGE

MATSURI ART WALL

GUEST AREA

MAINSTAGE

ACTIVITYAREA

INFORMATIONCENTRE

The National Gallery

Charing Cross

PiccadillyCircus Leicester Square

Trafalgar Square

Aozasa Shishi-Odori Dance Troupe　青笹しし踊り

For the first time in the United Kingdom, Aozasa Shishi Odori brings to Japan Matsuri the mystery of the timeless dance rituals of the gods from the mountains of north-eastern Japan. Shishi-odori (deer dancing) has been passed down through the generations for hundreds of years and is still regularly performed by members of various local communities.www.bunka.pref.iwate.jp/dentou/kyodo/shousai/geinou_019.html

Tezuma by Taiju Fujiyama　手妻師 藤山大樹

International Tezuma magician Taiju Fujiyama conjures up a taste old Edo-period magic in London. Stage magic performances have long been a tradition in Japan and Tezuma – the name alluding to lightening quick sleight of hand – has enchanted Japanese audiences with a combination of illusion, dance, storytelling and music for centuries. Get ready to be amazed! www.japanesemagic.jp/news.html

RADIO TAISO　ラジオ体操（NHK みんなの体操）

They’re back! The popular stars of Japan’s legendary national TV exercise programmes, Radio Taiso (literally ‘radio exercises’), return to Japan Matsuri to put you through your paces with some warm-up routines. Come and join in – anyone can have a go, standing up, sitting down – raise your energy levels and get the Square moving!

JAPAN MATSURI Song IBUKI with Naomi Suzuki　ジャパン祭りソング「IBUKI」

Now it’s your turn. Naomi Suzuki gives us the chance to take part and feel the spirit of a Japanese festival. Sing along, dance Japan Matsuri song together with UK-based singer Naomi!www.naomisuzuki.co.uk

NAOMI SUZUKI with her Band　鈴木ナオミ バンド with ダンサーズ

Naomi will sing Western Rock & Roll! Including songs from The Beatles, Rolling Stones and The Spiders with collaboration work by KANFU-style “nunchaku” (choreographed by Katsumi Sakakura)with her dancers. Also Naomi will sing merry song called SMILE AT ME with “Merry Project” children’s smile umbrellas. Come together and Let’s pray for world peace. www.naomisuzuki.co.uk

Matsuri PerformersMain Stage

Mikoshi Procession with students from Teikyo School　帝京ロンドン学園・神輿

In true Japanese festival tradition, students of the Teikyo Japanese School parade the mikoshi portable shrine topped with the phoenix around the festival site. Listen out for the cries of ‘Washoi! Washoi!’

Green Chorus Japanese Women’s Choir　グリーンコーラス女声合唱団

Founded in 1986, London’s very own Japanese women’s choir is well established and takes great pride in performing a variety of genres including world classical music, and Japanese songs both traditional and modern. www.nipponclub.co.uk

London Japanese School Choir　ロンドン日本人学校合唱団

A hundred junior high school pupils, aged 12 to 15, from the London Japanese School in Acton come together to perform the School Song and Flowers Will Bloom. www.theJapaneseschool.ltd.uk

SOAS Min’yo Group　SOAS民謡グループ

The SOAS Min’yo Group comprises Japanese folk song (min’yo) devotees who meet regularly at SOAS, University of London, to practise singing, instruments and some folk dancing. Launched in 2012 by David Hughes, a Japanese music specialist at SOAS, it welcomes members of all nationalities.https://soasminyo.wordpress.com

Eisa Dance: Children of the London Bunka Yochien　エイサー踊り：ロンドン文化幼稚園

Firm favourites at Japan Matsuri, the children, aged 2 to 6 years old, (and mums) of the London Japanese Cultural Nursery School perform the Eisa dance of Okinawa, with miniature drums(!) to the music of Mirukumunari. With only two weeks to practise after the start of the new term they do fantastically well, we think. It doesn’t get any cuter than this – a true JAPAN MATSURI highlight. www.londonbunka.com

Nodojiman　のど自慢大会

Once again, members of the public test their vocal chords and attempt to impress the Japan Matsuri judges with their own versions of Japanese karaoke classics. There are fantastic prizes for the runners-up while the winner receives the marvelous prize of a return ticket to Japan courtesy of All Nippon Airways.

Okinawan Traditional Goju-ryu Karate-do　沖縄剛柔流空手道

Japanese karate originated in the southern islands of Okinawa and the aim of the association is the transmission of Okinawan Goju-ryu Karate-do as taught by the founder Miyagi Chojun Bushi (1888 – 1953). Under the guidance of Master Morio Higaonna 10th Dan, members feel privileged to train in Okinawa and around Europe annually. Sensei George Andrews 8th Dan IOGKF has been training for 45 years and teaches not only in this country but around the world. www.otgka.co.uk

Wakaba Kendo Club　若葉剣道クラブ

Founded in 1993, Wakaba Kendo Club is the largest children’s kendo dojo in London, with about 30 registered students aged between 5 and 18. A team of dedicated, experienced and qualified teachers nurture the ‘new shoots (wakaba) and cultivate the young students’ development. Both adults and children from the club demonstrate today. www.wakabakendo.org

London Aikikai　ロンドン合気会

London Aikikai is the main London Aikido dojo with high-ranking instructors, officially recognised by the Akikido World Headquarters and founded in 1968 by T K Chiba 8th Dan. Aikido is a modern martial art rooted in ancient martial and spiritual disciplines. It works by applying holds, locks and throws through the coordination of mind and body. www.londonaikikai.com

Judo with the Budokwai　武道会柔道

The Budokwai is the oldest and most well-known Japanese martial arts club in Europe, established in London in 1918 by Gunji Koizumi. Some of the most distinguished figures in the history of judo have trained or taught at the Budokwai including many Olympic medalists. www.budokwai.co.uk

Martial Arts Stage

British Suzuki Institute Violin Ensemble　英国スズキ協会

The Suzuki Method of teaching music is one of Japan’s most far-reaching cultural exports. The stage is filled with violins and students as young as 5. www.britishsuzuki.org.uk

Hiroko Tanaka Japanese Dancers　田中弘子日本舞踊

Nihon Buyo, or Japanese Dance, is a dance form refined and developed over four centuries. It contains influences of Kabuki theatre dance, Noh theatre, Japanese folk dance and a mixture of European and American cultural trends found in Japan today. The group is led by Hiroko Tanaka, a Wakayagi-ryu dance teacher who has been dancing nearly 70 years.

London Okinawa Sanshinkai　ロンドン沖縄三線会

The London Okinawa Sanshinkai is a multinational group whose members of all ages share a love of the music and dance of the Ryukyu islands (present-day Okinawa and Kagoshima prefectures). The sanshin is a plucked three-stringed instrument central to the distinct and infectious musical culture of the people of the Ryukyu islands. https://sites.google.com/site/londonsanshin

Hibiki Ensemble　響アンサンブル

The Hibiki Ensemble was formed in 2003 by three musicians teaching Japanese music at SOAS. The group performs traditional and contemporary Japanese music known as sankyoku – music for three instruments – on koto (13- and 17-stringed long zithers), shamisen (3-stringed lute) and shakuhachi (5-holed, end-blown bamboo flute).

JSD Crew: Street Dance　JSD Crewストリートダンス

JSD: Back to Japan Matsuri in 2016! The members of JSD Crew all learn street dance from Shala in Japanese. Aged from 7 - 14, they practise every week at a dance school in Acton and have worked hard for their live public performance. Please cheer and dance along with them!

SHUKU: Shuku are a group of professionals of different disciplines such as Street dance, Ballet, Jazz and Contemporary.

Even though all members come from different cities, genres of dance and age groups they were able to form a powerful team of strong women who had one thing in common, their passion for dancing. Please enjoy a one off performance at this Japan Matsuri.

Enka by Jiro Yamauchi　山内二郎

Japanese Enka singer Jiro Yamauchi is a professional singer currently based in Tokyo. Born and raised in Aso City, Kumamoto, Jiro has been a passionate singer of classic Japanese music from a young age.

Reijiro Tsumura　津村禮次郎

Noh theatre actor Reijiro Tsumura fuses the Noh tradition with contemporary dance.

Joji Hirota & The London Taiko Drummers　廣田丈自＆ロンドン太鼓

The mighty thunder of huge taiko drums. Intricate and fascinating rhythms and soundscapes take us from traditional rhythms into melodic drumming. www.jojihirota.com

Family Fun in the Activity Tent & at the Matsuri Art WallWe offer a truly fantastic family fun day with our much loved traditional Japanese games, great

opportunities to learn the secrets of origami & Japanese calligraphy. There is also a chance to be

a manga artist & display your masterpiece in front of the National Gallery.

Origami at the Activity Tent

The British Origami Society (London) will be demonstrating the amazing art of origami and displaying some of their fantastic creations. If you would like to try origami or learn to make something special by folding paper, just call by and see how the origami wizards do it. The British Origami Society has over 40 years of history with members worldwide. Read more about the Society and have a look at their website: www.britishorigami.info

Japanese Water Ball Game　水ヨーヨー　at the Activity Tent

The traditional Japanese water ball game. Can you fish the brightly coloured balls out of the water? Challenge your family & friends – it’s lots of fun for everyone! Organized by the Ishikawa family & friends.

Manga Art at the Activity Tent

A group of talented Manga artists led by Elena Vitagliano will run a variety of activities on the art of drawing Manga. There will also be an opportunity for you to have your own personalized manga portrait made. Find out more: www.facebook.com/ElenaVitaglianoArtist , http://elenavitagliano.com or www.asiaalfasiart.com

Japanese Calligraphy Art Workshops at the Activity Tent

Try your hand at drawing Japanese kanji characters & experience the true beauty of Japanese calligraphy. See how the professionals do it & look at our mini-exhibition & demonstrations by students. During the day we offer small calligraphy workshops & demonstrations of calligraphy. Find out more at Kashuu Japanese Calligraphy Art: www.kashuucalligraphy.com

Matsuri Art Wall - in front of the National Gallery (10:00 - 13:30)

In front of the National Gallery you will find the amazing Matsuri Art Wall. It’s a massive 9 metre long canvas upon which you can draw your own fantastic creations right in front of the nation’s most famous art gallery. The 2016 Matsuri Art Wall competition theme is “Japan reaching out to the world” – prizes will be given for the best drawings. Come and create your own masterpiece! www.graffitiworks.co.uk

Children of the World Artwork at Matsuri Art Wall

Artwork by Japanese children affected in the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquakes, Burundi street children, Syrian refugee children and special needs children will decorate the Matsuri Art Wall boarder. Our thanks for helping arrange this to the children & adults from Kashuu Japanese Calligraphy Art, West London Citizens UK, Children’s Club at St Martin-in-the-Fields, Christ the Saviour Primary School, the Matsuri Art Wall Team & the Manga Artists Team.

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■ BENIHANATeppanyaki: Wagyudon and Chicken Teriyaki Don

■ Clearspring LtdMiso soup, Mochi, Tofu salad and Drinks

■ Japan Centre Group including Shoryu Ramen

Japanese street food (Ramen, Karaage, Takoyaki, Gyoza)

■ MAI FOOD JAPANESE RESTAURANT

Yakisoba, Takoyaki, Yakitori, Fried chicken

■ MugenSushi and Japanese Curry

■ Natural NaturalJapanese Food

■ Japanese Café Bar NeccoGyudon, Frankfurter and Homemade Cakes

■ Okan Brixton VillageOkonomiyaki

■ PEKO PEKO LTDChicken katsu burger, Pumpkin korokke burger, Curry & Chips

■ ShippoTempura-don, Katsu-don

■ SoyaOsaka style ikayaki, Yakisoba fried noodles and Takoyaki

■ Sozai Cooking SchoolSushi set, Teriyaki chicken burger

■ Taro RestaurantSushi, Bento, Takoyaki, Yakitori don, Yakisoba

■ TK TradingSushi, Gyoza, Karaage Box, Bento

■ Wagashi Japanese BakeryDorayaki pancakes, Ice cream

■ YoshinoGyoza

StallsFood

■ All Nippon AirwaysPromotion of ANA

■ Central Japan Railway Company

Tourism in Japan, including sights and transport

■ East Japan Railway Company

Tourism in Japan, including sights and transport

■ IIJ Europe LtdPromotion and selling of Japan Travel SIM

■ Japan AirlinesTourism in Japan, including sights and transport

■ Japan Association in the UKBooks, Crafts and Kimono

■ Japan ExperiencePromotion of tours, transportation, accommodation, activities

■ Japan FoundationInformation about Japanese language learning, Japan quiz

■ Japan Local Government Centre

Promotion of tourism in the regions of Japan

■ Japan National Tourist Organisation

Promotion of tourism in Japan

■ Japan SocietyPromotion of education, Japanese culture and the Society’s activities

■ LoveJojo LtdKawaii plush toys, stationery, cosmetics, street fashion and snacks

■ PansyKimono, Yukata and craftware

North Terrace

South Side■ Doki LtdJapanese tableware including tea, sake and bowl sets

■ Fukushima Prefectural Association UK

Agricultural Products, Beefsteak plants and Folkcrafts

■ Hiina Japanese DollsJapanese dolls, Kokeshi dolls, hand fans, Hina Dolls and purses

■ HIS Europe LtdPromotion of Japan package tours, Japan Rail Pass and Flights

■ Japan CraftArt and craft products including puzzle boxes, daruma, kimono, incense and ukiyo-e

■ Japanese GalleryOriginal Japanese woodblock prints and original Japanese animation cel-ga

■ Kanaby EnterpriseBadges, stationery, stickers and stuffed dolls

■ Kantan LivingJapanese home culture and pop culture products

■ Kyoto Industrial Support Organization 21

Sweets and crafts made in Kyoto

■ Minamoto Kitchoan Co., LtdJapanese sweets, including Kasutera, Daifuku, Senbei & Mochi, and tea

■ NHK World / JSTVPromotion of JSTV and NHK world

■ TV Box“Who Wants to Come to Japan”: TV Tokyo is searching for Japan enthusiasts to send on the trip of a lifetime to Japan. Pitch to camera for a chance to be on the show!

■ YakultYakult original and Yakult light

INTRODUCING THE SUZUKI

SUZUKI SUPPORTSJAPAN MATSURI 2016

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3HR Corporate Solicitors Ltd – Japan Business Group

Access Appointments Consultancy Ltd

Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance Company of Europe Limited

Asahi Breweries, Ltd

Ashurst LLP

Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ,Ltd

Central Japan Railway Company

Centre People Appointments Ltd

Chubu Electric Power Co Inc

Dai-ichi Life International (Europe) Limited

Daiwa Capital Markets Europe Limited

DC Advisory Ltd

Deloitte LLP

Dentsu Inc. London Office

East Japan Railway Company

Economic Media Bulletin Ltd

Euro Creative Tours (U.K.) Ltd

Europa Business Services (UK) Ltd

Fuji Industries UK Ltd

FUJITSU

Hitachi Europe Ltd

IHI Europe Ltd

Itochu Europe PLC

Japan Association in the UK

Japan Centre Group Ltd.

Japan England Insurance Brokers Ltd

Japan Europe Business Support Ltd

Japan Society

Jem LTD

JX Nippon Oil & Energy Europe Ltd

“K” Line Bulk Shipping (UK) Ltd

“K” Line (Europe) Ltd

Kajima Europe Limited

Kawasaki Heavy Industries (UK) Ltd

KDDI Europe Ltd

Kikkoman Trading Europe GmbH, London Office

Konica Minolta Business Solutions (UK) Ltd

KPMG LLP

Kubota (U.K.) Ltd

London-Tokyo Property Services Ltd

Marubeni Europe plc

MEIJI YASUDA EUROPE LTD

Mitsubishi Corporation International (Europe) Plc

Mitsubishi Estate London Limited

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Europe, Ltd

Mitsui & Co Europe Plc

Mitsui Fudosan (UK) Ltd

Mitsui O.S.K. Bulk Shipping (Europe) Ltd.

Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Co (Europe) Ltd

Mitsui Zosen Europe Ltd

Mizuho Bank, Ltd

Mizuho International plc

MSIG Holding (Europe) Ltd

MUFJ Securities EMEA plc

NEC Europe Ltd

NH Foods UK Ltd

Nikkei Europe Ltd

Nippon Express (UK) Ltd

Nittan Europe Limited

Nomura International plc

Norinchukin Bank

NYK Group Europe Ltd

Osaka Gas UK, Ltd

Panasonic Europe Ltd

People First

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Ritsumeikan UK Office

Sapporo Holdings LTD. Representative Office in London

SEIKO U.K. Limited

SMBC Nikko Capital Markets Limited

Sojitz Europe Plc

Sompo Japan Nipponkoa Insurance Company of Europe Limited

Sumitomo Corporation Europe Ltd

Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation Europe Limited

Takeda Development Centre Europe Ltd

TANAKA Precious Metals

Tazaki Foods Ltd

Teikyo Foundation (U.K.)

Telehouse International Corporation of Europe Ltd

Toho Titanium Europe Co., Ltd

Tokio Marine Kiln Group Limited

Toshiba of Europe Ltd

Toyota Tsusho UK Ltd

Yakult UK Ltd

Yamato Transport Europe B.V.

YKK Europe Ltd

ZEN-NOH INTERNATIONAL EUROPE LTD

Sponsors

[Chairman] Keisaku Sano - Japan Association in the UK

[Vice Chairman] Takaaki Hanaoka - Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the UK

Sean Curtin Japan Association in the UK

Tetsuro Hama Japan Association in the UK / Japan Society

Akitoshi Handa Japan Association in the UK / A Concept Ltd.

Shinju Karasawa Embassy of Japan

Izumi Kurosawa Japan Association in the UK

Yoshio Mitsuyama Japan Association in the UK

Koichiro Nakada 3HR Corporate Solicitors Ltd

Yuko Onishi Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the UK

Heidi Potter Japan Society

Naomi Suzuki Japan Association in the UK / Nana Music UK Ltd

Simon Wright Japan House London

Akira Yamada Embassy of Japan

A Concept Ltd SECOM PLC NHK Cosmomedia Europe Ltd

Japan MatsuriExecutive Committee

with Support from

The Japan Matsuri Committee is immensely grateful to the following companies whose generous support has made the festival possible:

ANA – All Nippon Airways Co Ltd, Canon Europe Limited, Fujisankei Communications International, Inc., Greenback Alan LLP, Honda Motor Europe Ltd, Japan Airlines Co., Ltd, Mitsubishi Electric Europe B.V., NHK Cosmomedia Europe Ltd, NTT Europe Ltd, SUZUKI GB PLC, Toyota (GB) PLC

The Japan Matsuri committee is very grateful to those who have given their time and skills in the planning and implementation of the event, especially the many volunteers.