HYPER JAPAN 2011

Community

HYPER JAPAN will be showing its support for the disaster-affected Tohoku region through its community area. You can take in a workshop, have a go at a hands-on activity and take in an inspiring exhibition, and if you’re feeling generous, you can donate, too – but remember just by buying a ticket you’ve already donated to the Japan Society Earthquake Relief Fund.

We will be updating these pages regularly over the next couple of weeks, so check back for more details soon.

Show Area

This area will be a fabulous showcase of Japan-related skills, fashion, tradition and more. We’re talking amazing kimono shows, performers of traditional arts, cosplay workshops, the lot. Keep an eye on this page for a detailed schedule, coming soon!

Aikido Demonstration

David Rubens of London’s Meidokan Dojo will be giving a demonstration of Yoshinkan Aikido. David spent a year training with the Tokyo Riot Police and spent five years living and training at the Yoshinkan Aikido headquarters.

Find out more here.

Sat | Sun

Alika Mochida

Alika Mochida started singing Enka when she was three. She studied drama in Cambridge and modern music in London, then started working as a professional singer in 2009. She has performed in many occasions such as WOMAD 2010 and Japan Matsuri 2009&2010. She is passionate about introducing the greatness of Japanese folk music to local people and always seeking for opportunities to sing.

Fri | Sun

Diane’s Rakugo: Traditional Japanese Wordplay (in English!)

Diane’s Rakugo: Traditional Japanese Storytelling (in English!)

Rakugo is a traditional form of storytelling where a lone storyteller tells a comical story using just a fan as a prop. Watch Diane, who has performed all over Japan, bring her unique English rakugo to HYPER JAPAN!

Find out more here.

Sun

Kimono De Jack UK Fashion Show

Kimono De Jack UK is a group of kimono lovers who will be presenting a sumptuous fashion show demonstrating the gorgeous colours and patterns of Japan’s traditional garment, the kimono.

Find out more here.

Sat

Maids of England Dance Performance

Maid cafes are more than just cafes. In contrast to conventional cafes and restaurants, customers are treated as lords and ladies returning to their own homes and served by our magical servants. Get a unique experience at the Maids of England event as our maids and butlers perform dances for the lords and ladies as they dine, play games with the lords and ladies, and more!

www.maidsofengland.com

Sat | Sun

Manga Workshops with Umisen-Yamasen

Manga collective Umisen-Yamasen is back by popular demand for HYPER JAPAN 2011. Don’t miss their workshop for budding manga artists, presented by CHIE KUTSUWADA and INKO.

Find out more here.

Fri | Sat

Nihon Buyo: Traditional Japanese Dance

Nihon Buyo is a refined form of Japanese dance that has been performed for over 400 years. Influenced by Noh, folk dance and Kabuki dance, it is elegant and vibrant with stunning costumes. Performed by Hiroko Tanaka.

Watch Hiroko here.

Sun

Tea Ceremony: The Art of Tea

Experience the serenity of the traditional Japanese tea ceremony, brought to you by the United Kingdom Association of the Chado Urasenke Tankokai.

Find out more here.

Sat

Tsugaru Shamisen by Hibiki Ichikawa

Watch a live performance of this traditional instrument – played in a bluesy, rhythmical style with lots of improvisation – by Hibiki Ichikawa. This is a unique musical experience not to be missed!

Find out more here.

Fri | Sun

Wado Karate

Wado Ryu was founded by Hironori Ohtsuka. The origins of karate date back centuries, and today karate has evolved to be more than simply a form of martial combat. Wado Ryu is a fusion of logical and natural techniques, which if effectively applied, will enable the weaker person to defeat the stronger.

Find out more here.

Sat

Click here to buy tickets for HYPER JAPAN 2011.