For folks who are love Japanese food and culture, Japan Matsuri has been a mainstay of the calendar for over a decade. Bringing together some of the best traditional music, food, and art to the streets of London, Japan Matsuri is a great way to get stuck into a side of Japan that isn’t anime and otaku. As much as I love to let my weeb flag fly, I also love some of the other stuff on offer here.

As with most things in this year of 2020, things look and feel a bit different than they have in the past. This year Japan Matsuri is moving online with streamed courses and events to help viewers all around the country get stuck into some great events. So if you’ve got some time on your hands on the weekend of the 26^th-27^th of September (and lets be honest, none of us are going anywhere), here are some highlights for you to check out.

Japan Matsuri – What to Watch

Awa Odori Dancing

This traditional dance from the Tokushima region is designed to get spectators off their seats and involved. It is a song about the fools in all of us, recognising that we must all take part in some foolish frivolity to survive in a hard world, and that’s a message I think we all need at the moment. So tune in and have a cheeky little dance in your living room. I promise not to tell if you don’t.

Kamishibai

Kamishibai is a style of theatre with the story being told through illustrated boards on a stage. Think of it as a picture book that appears before your eyes. If you have young kids, this is a great way to get them interested in a different kind of storytelling. Japan Matsuri will be streaming a production of A Thousand Cranes, which focuses on Tanabata.

How to Make Dorayaki

Dorayaki is one of my favourite Japanese foods. It’s like a cake you can eat on the go, with a delicious filling that makes you smile. Its like a cake and a donut had a baby and I want to eat that baby. The Sozai School of Cooking is offering a free cooking masterclass to help you learn how to make this traditional Japanese dessert from your home. The full ingredient list is available ahead of time so you can join in live on Saturday to take part!

Tomioka Dance Club

Originally due to perform live in Trafalgar Square for Japan Matsuri as part of the Japan-UK Season of Culture, this dance troup of high school students from the Osaka Prefecture first burst onto the scene in 2018 with a video of them performing to “This is Me” from The Greatest Showman. They’re incredibly talented and dedicated to their art, so be sure to check out the premiere of their new dance especially for Japan Matsure on Saturday at noon.

How to Make Okonomiyaki

Another free masterclass from Sozai School of Cooking, this one focuses on that most delightful of Japanese dishes; okonomiyaki. Translating to “as you like it”, this is one of my favourite Japanese dishes ever. Think of it like a savoury pancake filled with vegetables, meat, and cheese. It is filling and comforting and full of flavour and I have fantastic memories of eating it Hiroshima style during my first trip to Japan.

Naomi’s Wonderland

For this one, UK based singer Naomi Suzuki is joining forces with chaotic yet adorable Japanese mascot Chii-tan to present a range of musical acts. From heavy metal idols Kamen Joshi to a Japanese Beatles tribute act, this one has the potential to be a lot of fun to watch. It will be worth tuning in just to see how Naomi keeps Chii-tan in line.

There are loads of other fun events on throughout the weekend. These are just a few of our highlights. Be sure to check out the official website and schedule to find out more!

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Trent Cannon

Trent is a fan of anything that doesn't take itself too seriously. He is frequently hilarious and adorable. If 240 character takes on gaming, anime, or rat pictures are your thing, follow him on Twitter.

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