JAPAN MATSURI 2010
10:00 - 20:00 on Saturday, 18th September @ Spitalfields Markets, Brushfield Street, London 

Japan Matsuri returns to Spitalfields on 18th September. Using both new and old markets, this year's festival has much more space and offers even more for the whole family to enjoy. Summer may be nearly over, but this is your opportunity to celebrate in typical matsuri style. 

Japanese Ambassador Shin Ebihara and Jeremy Hunt MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport, will formally open the day at 11am, by which time proceedings will already be well underway, with taiko on the family stage and master of the Sogetsu school, Takashi Sawano, creating a fabulous ikebana installation on the main stage from 10am.

Performances on the three stages, family activities, an expanded food market and stall area, as well as an exhibition area, provide day long entertainment and interest. 

Performances on the three stages, family activities, an expanded food market and stall area, as well as an exhibition area, provide day long entertainment and interest. 

On the two Festival Stages (Family Stage in Bishops Square & Main Stage in Old Spitalfields Market), the hypnotic rhythm of the taiko features alongside lively Okinawan melodies and contemporary music next to koto and shamisen. This year we welcome back the Japanese School taiko group, Thames Taiko and, as our finale once again, the marvellous Joji Hirota and Hitenryu Taiko. Also featured is a cooking demonstration by the Mistukan Sushi Academy, bon odori with Teikyo School and the London Bon Dancers, and a special performance by the kindergarten children of the Bunka Yochien.

On the Martial Arts Stage, in Crispin Place, demonstrations continue all day, including judo from the legendary Budokwai, the Wakaba and Hizen kendo groups, aikido, iaido, shorinji kempo and Moto-Ha Yoshin Ryu jujitsu.

Audience participation is actively encouraged. Join Nodojiman 2010, try the contemporary 'para para' dance and classical bon odori, culminating in an omikoshi procession led by students from Teikyo School. Dress up as your favourite character from anime or manga to enter the cosplay competition or simply draw your own creations on the Matsuri Manga Wall. Others may prefer to join the haiku walks and workshop sessions and paint Japan Matsuri in words with haiku inspired by sights and sounds of the festival.

No Japanese festival is complete without food and Japan Matsuri is no exception. Three areas for hot and cold food sales include all the flavours associated with festivals found in Japan. Visitors can try yakisoba, takoyaki, yakitori (chicken skewers), curry, sushi, okonomiyaki, tempura, tonkatsu, traditional Japanese sweets and much more. Other stalls offer information for travellers, Japanese art, craft and textiles, as well as regional goods.

Find out more about the Japan Matsuri via the festival's Facebook page or website,japanmatsuri.com. 

*Photos by John Strurrock