Meet The Performers + Workshops
Kendo
Kendo is a modern Japanese martial art, descended from Kenjutsu, that uses bamboo swords as well as protective armour. Today, it is widely practiced within Japan and has spread to many other nations across the world. Gaku Shi Juku Kendo Kai will be giving the audience a thrilling demonstration at Japan fest.
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Folk Dancer + Singer
Yoshie Asano Campbell キャンベル良枝 is a Japanese folk song singer and dancer who was born in Japan and moved to Scotland in 1998. She has been a professional performer since the age of 18. Yoshie weaves a variety of Umewaka styles from the northern part of Japan in a beautiful and energetic performance.
Japanese Language Introduction
Yumi, an experienced Japanese teacher will be giving some very brief introductions to the Japanese Language and how one might ought go about learning the language for themselves or finding a tutor.
You will learn the basic greetings you maybe familiar with but, I would hazard a guess, maybe saying wrong (talking from experience 😆 )
Mizuhiki
Mizuhiki (水引) is an ancient Japanese artform of knot-tying, most commonly used to decorate envelopes, called kinpū, which are given as gifts during holidays like Japanese New Year or for special occasions such as births and weddings or funerals. The colour of the cord depends on the occasion, or may signify the religious denomination of the giver at funerals.
Keiko will be running an interactive workshop where you will be able to have a go at Mizuhiki yourself!
Okashi Sweets Demostration
Okashi Sweets will be taking a break from their stall to come and give the audience a demonstration on how traditional Japanese sweets are prepared and wrapped.
Rolled Sushi
Sushi comes in all shapes and sizes, but there’s no denying that the roll is one of the most popular forms. You can make a roll with virtually any ingredient combination that you can think of.
Mayumi who has a lot of experience with sushi making will will be giving a demonstration in the art of Sushi making. Feel free to ask any questions so that you may try sushi making yourself at home.
Tea Ceremony
Japanese tea ceremony (known as sadō/chadō (茶道, "The Way of Tea") is a traditional form of tea ceremony and a Japanese cultural activity involving the ceremonial preparation and presentation of matcha (抹茶), powdered green tea. Get ready to experience a thousand year old, relaxing and calming Japanese tradition that would otherwise be out of reach for residents of the UK.
Furoshiki
Tamakurya is a forward thinking business partnership that fuses Japanese traditions, practices and creativity with vintage kimono fabric.
They are craft-loving mums who create beautiful objects and fashion wear that are not impactful on the environment. They will be running a workshop on furoshiki which is a traditional Japanese way of gift wrapping!
Origami
Origami 折り紙, , from ori meaning "folding", and kami meaning "paper" is the art of paper folding, which is associated with Japanese culture. You will be taken through a step by step process of how to properly make some wonderful origami structures by a wonderful origami teacher!
Japanese Embroidery
Jane was introduced to traditional Japanese embroidery (JE) in 1991. She started her studies in earnest in 2004 dedicating herself to the study and practice of Japanese embroidery. She graduated from the Japanese Embroidery Centre, Atlanta in 2010.
Jane will be giving us a small taste of Japanese embroidery through her workshop!