| Arts | |
| Japan 2001 in the heart of Hyde park 17/05/01 | |
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Japan comes to the heart of London this weekend with two days of Matsuri - Japan in the Park, an action packed, spectacular and free japanese Carnival in Hyde Park, offering something for everyone. Witness the smashing of the sake barrels to kick off Matsuri, and then relax in the grass area and savour this rare opportunity to see these performances, all by artists from Japan; the taiko drums of the Fugaku and Iwami Jindai Kagura; the classical/pop music mix of D.F.O.; the traditional Okinawan/pop music mix of Rinken Band. Be dazzled by the martial arts demonstrations. Yabusame is an ancient mounted archery tournament
performed as a sacred ceremony in the precincts of a Shinto shrine.
The beauty of horseback archers in action (14th century hunting
costumes) is captivating. Experience the taste and smell of Japanese Matsuri at the Village Stalls. Feel the intimate, small stage atmosphere of the Village Stage. Performing are the all-British Kagemusha Taiko, the Takkoku no Iwaya Bishamon Kagura dancers, the performers of the banjo-like Tsugaru-Jamisen, and the traditional street performers U-Stage. Also witness contemporary Japanese street fashion with platform shoes and bleached blonde hair, or win prizes in the Super Quiz while testing your knowledge of Japan and the UK! Housed within a large marquee will be seven hands-on workshops demonstrating traditional Japanese arts and crafts. You will have a chance to witness the art of Bonsai (container planting), write your name in Japanese Calligraphy, try your hand at Ikebana (flower arrangement), Origami (paper folding), or Papermaking, learn some Shiatsu massage techniques, or join in a Tea Ceremony. Weaving their way through the busy crowds will be the bearers of Suzaka Mikoshi (portable shrines) and the colourful Awa Odori dancers. The more participants, the better the processions. Take part! The Folk Dance Stage will be the arena for colourful displays of participatory Japanese folk dances - Awa Odori (fools dance) and Bon Odori and hands-on taiko drumming workshops. Experts from both the UK and Japan will thrill the audiences with their skills in Aikido, Kendo (fencing), Shorinji Kempo and Kyudo (Japanese ceremonial archery). The Red Cross Sports Arena will feature an exciting programme of sports competitions as well as musical entertainment by two disabled groups, Heart & Soul and Fugaku Taiko. There will be colourful walkabout performances by Neil Farrelly - a clowning story teller in Yoroshiku-ne, and U-Stage who will dress as traditional Japanese street musicians. The days events commence at 10:00am and run until 20:00pm on both the Saturday and Sunday For more information on Japan 2001 visit the website: http://www.japan2001.org.uk/main.html |