Japan Matsuri Festival

Seeing as we can’t hang out with our Tokyo Cheapo family, we’re going to enjoy a little piece of Japan in the middle of London. Japan Matsuri is an annual free celebration of Japanese culture so expect music, magic, dance, tasty eats, martial arts demonstrations, games and activities.

Performances in past years have included shishi-odori (deer dancing), Edo-period magic tricks from Tezuma magician Taiju Fujiyama, and Hiroko Tanaka Japanese dancers. Edible offerings chicken katsu burgers, pumpkin korroke burgers, takoyaki, gyoza, okonomiyaki and plenty of ramen.

It’s not just about the spectacle either, festivalgoers can perform in the Nodojiman karaoke contest. If singing isn’t your bag, you can scribble your own masterpiece on the 9 m long canvas which will be on display in front of the National Gallery.  

This event is suitable for mini cheapos and adults alike, so get down early to experience (and taste) it all!

(Becky Matthews)