Japan Week 2025

All Japan Bridal Beauticians Association- Bridal Fashion Show:

Since its founding in 1975, the All Japan Bridal Beauticians Association has been a leader in the traditional Japanese bridal attire, kimono dressing, and beauty techniques related to nal events and ceremonies.

Sogo College SEO - Koto Performance:

We, the 'Seo Sokyoku Hibikino kai ' have been enjoying playing the koto since 1968. Our performances aim to share the charm of the koto not only within Japan but also overseas. The koto is a traditional Japanese string instrument with 13 strings and have a history of over a thousand years in Japan.
In this performance, we will perform koto and collaborate with keyboard and percussion. Additionally, the ' Tonami Shinyokai' will have the shimai performance of Noh in the Hosho style.We will perform climactic scenes of Noh using only the chorus.
We hope you enjoy this traditional Japanese culture through koto and shimai.

MatsumotoMusic School:

I have received the award of Consul General of Poland at the Chopin Avenue and the Gold prize at the European International Piano Competition in Japan. I have also performed with the Polish Silesian philharmonic Orchestra.
For this time, I will be playing music from Japan including anime songs. I will play with all my heart, hoping that people from UK will enjoy the performance

Toe Show Girl - Japanese Tap Dance:

We were drawn to the elegance of kimono and the traditional Japanese music, we have taken on the challenge of blending these elements with Western tap dance.
Through diverse expressions and performances, we aim to foster cross-cultural exchange that transcends borders.
Our performance is rooted in Kagura, a sacred dance dedicated to the deities of Japan, and incorporates elements such as Gagaku (ancient court music) and retro popular songs.Dressed in vibrant miko (shrine maiden) costumes, we present a uniquely Japanese form of tap dance, which we call Yamato Tap.
We hope you will feel a sense of Japanese spirit and elegance, combining sacred tradition with accessible charm.

OSK NIPPON REVUE COMPANY:

OSK Nippon Revue Company  is founded in Osaka, this rare all-female opera troupe will celebrate its 103rd anniversary in 2025.
Performers take on distinct roles, “otokoyaku” (playing male roles) and “musumeyaku” (playing female roles) and hone their skills in singing, traditional Japanese dance, Western dance, and acting. By skillfully combining these elements, they present a unique aesthetic style characteristic of this opera form.
The performances, featuring a versatile blend of music from around the world, create a captivating stage that transcends language barriers. As non-verbal entertainment that anyone can enjoy and relate to, this troupe leads the cultural promotion of Osaka.

SHIRANUKATOWN - Ainu folklore:

"Shiranuka Ainu Association"  and "Shiranuka Ainu Culture Preservation Society" are actively engaged in preserving and passing down traditional Ainu culture. Their activities include workshops on classical Ainu dance, Ainu pattern embroidery, explanations of the origins of Ainu place names, and hands-on sessions where participants can make and play the traditional instrument mukkuri.
The classical Ainu dance being presented on this occasion is designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan and is preserved across various regions of Hokkaido. In Shiranuka Town, this dance is performed as an offering during traditional ceremonial rituals.

MORI NO CLUB - Japanese traditonal dance:

MORI NO CLUB JAPANESE TRADITIONAL DANCE are a group that promotes Nihon Buyo, a traditional Japanese performing art. They create choreography to modern music, while still revering the classical style performed to shamisen music, in order to make the art form more approachable and relatable to audiences.
In recent years, they have been actively engaging in international activities.
“It is our hope that more people will feel a closer connection to the richness of Japanese traditional culture through our performances.”

Grand Cheer - Cheerleading by elderly:

"Grand cheer – Cheer Dance from Your 50s” is a new culture born in Japan, originating from Fukuoka. It brings people together across generations, with members as old as 87. Through smiles and pom-poms, it creates a powerful sense of unity at events. The group also performs alongside a special team made up exclusively of cancer survivors. Supported by those in caregiving roles and the helping professions, According to research at University, Grand cheer has shown improvements in brain fatigue and mutual well-being.

YUINENOKAI- Koto Performance:

YUINENOKAI first participated 45 years ago when the head of their association took part in the 5th Japan Week held in Glasgow. Since then, they have performed traditional Japanese music across Europe more than ten times.
“At every event, we have been deeply moved by the warm applause and support from the local audiences—moments that remain unforgettable to this day.”
In addition to traditional Koto performances, they will present ensemble pieces featuring percussion, piano, and mandolin. “We will perform with all our heart, hoping that the people of the UK will enjoy it.”

P&M- Piano:

P&M are a duo formed by Yasuko Koyama (piano) and Aya Muramatsu (mandolin).Yasuko Koyama often performs in duo concerts with cello or violin and teaches the next generation. Aya Muramatsu is a member of a local mandolin club and regularly performs in concerts. She also plays the koto as a member of the "YUINENOKAI"
“We have formed P&M specially to participate in Japan Week. We will perform music of our favourite British artists.”

Sangane Sendensya - Chindon (Japanese Street Performance):

Sangane Sendensya are a chindonya based in Aichi Prefecture. Using instruments such as the chindon drum, a portable taiko drums and wind instruments like the saxophone or clarinet, they perform Showa-era pop songs and other popular tunes in the traditional chindon style.
Chindonya are unique Japanese street performers who also act as musical advertisements. They parade through the streets while playing drums and wind instruments, drawing crowds and promote on behalf of clients. “It is very unique Japanese style, unlike any other in the world.”

OSK NIPPON REVUE COMPANY:

OSK Nippon Revue Company  is founded in Osaka, this rare all-female opera troupe will celebrate its 103rd anniversary in 2025.
Performers take on distinct roles, “otokoyaku” (playing male roles) and “musumeyaku” (playing female roles) and hone their skills in singing, traditional Japanese dance, Western dance, and acting. By skillfully combining these elements, they present a unique aesthetic style characteristic of this opera form.
The performances, featuring a versatile blend of music from around the world, create a captivating stage that transcends language barriers. As non-verbal entertainment that anyone can enjoy and relate to, this troupe leads the cultural promotion of Osaka.

Nihonbuyo Yushiro No Kai - Japanese traditonal dance:

We learn Nihon Buyo, a traditional form of Japanese dance, and perform it at overseas to share the unique beauty of Japanese dance. Nihon Buyo expresses both strength and resilience through gentle and graceful movements.
Nihon Buyo is performed to the accompaniment of traditional Japanese instruments such as the flute, koto, shamisen, tsuzumi, and taiko drums. of traditional Japanese instruments such as the flute, koto, shamisen, tsuzumi, and taiko drums. Dancers often use fans and umbrellas to enhance their performance.
Nihon Buyo requires dancer to portray various elements, natural phenomena, the emotions of the main character, all through movement. We perform each dance with heartfelt sincerity, hoping that audience could understand the dance.

A Passion Mars - Japanese song:

A Passion Mars has performed at Japan Week in Spain and France. This year they are looking forward to performing on stage in the UK.
"I would like to perform like Mary Poppins descending from the sky. It will be the songs of collaboration between the UK and Japan. Please enjoy the performance. May the world become peaceful and full of smiles!”

Earth Rainbow - Dance:

Earth Rainbow are a dance group guided by the vision, "Everyone is a performer".
From beginners to professionals, their members shine on the stage, expressing themselves through dance.
They have previously performed in 2022 in Tokyo, in 2023 in New York; and in June 2024, they presented a special collaboration with the Japanese tea ceremony in New York.
They made their Japan Week debut in 2024, expressing the beauty of the Kimono and the emotional landscape of Japanese women.
“This year as well, we will incorporate Japanese culture into contemporary dance, a universal language. Our theme is ‘Roots and Wings.’”

Samurai Artist KAMUI＋Mika Kobayashi - Samurai Drama:

"Samurai Artist Kamui" is a unique fusion of aesthetic form, theatrical performance, and martial arts. They have performed in over 30 countries and approximately 150 cities around the world.
Leader Tetsuro Shimaguchi was selected to choreograph and appear in Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill Vol.1, playing the role of "CRAZY 88' MIKI”.
“As Samurai Artist KAMUI, we promote SAMURAI as Japanese culture and art to the world.”

Saito Yoko Ballet Studio - Recitation of Tales of Genji:

Saito Yoko Ballet School have previously participated in Japan Week in Athens and in Seville, where they presented The Tale of Genji through stage performances and exhibitions.
For this year’s event, they will showcase Hagi no Tsuyu from The Tale of Genji through traditional storytelling. “It is a great honor for me to be able to share The Tale of Genji, a masterpiece of Japanese literature cherished for over a thousand years,with the people of Manchester.”

Meisoumai Kagura dance:

Meisoumai is a form of dance that expresses gratitude and prayer—the very origins of dance—through graceful and beautiful movements.
The Japanese word for "prayer" inori comes from "i" (intention or will) and "noru" (to declare).In other words, prayer is the act of declaring, "This is how I choose to live," .
“We wish to share this prayer with the people of Manchester, in the hope of contributing to world peace.”

Sada susadaiko - Taiko(Drum) Performance:

We are " Sada Susa daiko", a Japanese taiko drum team.
Formed around the historic Susa Shrine, and we have celebrated our 43rd anniversary.
We have performed at events both within and outside the prefecture. And we also teach at local elementary and junior high schools. Through these activities, we contribute to promote our region and collaborate with schools on educational initiatives.
Through our performane of “Medakimen Daiko,” we hope audiences to feel the rich culture and history of ancient Izumo.By sharing the powerful rhythms of taiko drumming, we strive to break down barriers between nations and generations, aiming for a stage where performers and audience become one.

Mika Kobayashi - Japanese POP song (piano and vocal)

Singer-songwriter Mika Kobayashi established her independent label, "miccabose" in 2016.
As a solo artist performing piano and vocals, she has released albums and actively toured overseas, mainly across Europe and China, establishing herself as a true live performer.
She is also highly regarded as a vocalist, contributing to numerous soundtracks including the anime series "The Promised Neverland," "Attack on Titan," "Gundam UC," the NHK morning drama "Mare," and the video game "FINAL FANTASY XI".

Samurai Artist KAMUI - Samurai Performance

"Samurai Artist Kamui" is a unique fusion of aesthetic form, theatrical performance, and martial arts. They have performed in over 30 countries and approximately 150 cities around the world.
Leader Tetsuro Shimaguchi was selected to choreograph and appear in Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill Vol.1, playing the role of "CRAZY 88' MIKI”.
“As Samurai Artist KAMUI, we promote SAMURAI as Japanese culture and art to the world.”

Sada susadaiko - Taiko(Drum) Performance

Sada Susa daiko are a Japanese taiko drum team.
Formed around the historic Susa Shrine, they have recently celebrated their 43rd anniversary.
They perform at events both within and outside the prefecture and teach at local elementary and junior high schools. Through these activities, they contribute to promote their region and collaborate with schools on educational initiatives.
“Through our performance of Medakimen Daiko, we hope audiences feel the rich culture and history of ancient Izumo. By sharing the powerful rhythms of taiko drumming, we strive to break down barriers between nations and generations, aiming for a stage where performers and audience become one.”

Mika Kobayashi - Japanese POP song (piano and vocal)

Singer-songwriter Mika Kobayashi established her independent label, "miccabose" in 2016.
As a solo artist performing piano and vocals, she has released albums and actively toured overseas, mainly across Europe and China, establishing herself as a true live performer.
She is also highly regarded as a vocalist, contributing to numerous soundtracks including the anime series "The Promised Neverland," "Attack on Titan," "Gundam UC," the NHK morning drama "Mare," and the video game "FINAL FANTASY XI".

Aichi Shukutoku University Wind orchestra - Wind Orchestra

Aichi shukutoku university Wind orchestra are the wind orchestra of Aichi Shukutoku University. They frequently organize and perform their our own concerts and hold charity concerts to support disaster recovery and family concerts for children, to bring the joy of wind music to people of all ages.
“We hope you enjoy our performance!”

Samurai Artist KAMUI - Samurai Performance

"Samurai Artist Kamui" is a unique fusion of aesthetic form, theatrical performance, and martial arts. They have performed in over 30 countries and approximately 150 cities around the world.
Leader Tetsuro Shimaguchi was selected to choreograph and appear in Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill Vol.1, playing the role of "CRAZY 88' MIKI”.
“As Samurai Artist KAMUI, we promote SAMURAI as Japanese culture and art to the world.”