Central Library Thursday 4 September

Exhibitors and Performers:

• Hokkaido Tourism Organization

  Hokkaido offers a wide range of attractions, especially its rich natural environment “including beautiful mountains, clear lakes, mystical coastlines, and vast grasslands”, as well as its stunning seasonal landscapes. The region also have a unique culture such as indigenous Ainu heritage and diverse local festivals and traditional events. There are fresh seafood and ingredients so the food of Hokkaido, is another highlight.
  Situated in the northern part of Japan, Hokkaido enjoys a cool and pleasant climate even in summer. With a natural environment similar to that of Scotland, it has become a popular destination for many British tourists.

• HUB TON TON

  Hub Ton Ton is an inn in Takeno, a historic small port town on the Sea of Japan coast in northern Hyogo Prefecture. During the Edo period, Takeno prospered as a port town centred around the kitamaebune trading ships, where a rich culture of hospitality flourished.
  Surrounded by abundant nature, the area offers many activities such as coastal walks, hiking on gentle mountains, canoeing, sea fishing, tea ceremony, and traditional dance.

  “For this occasion, we invite you to enjoy kimono and yukata dressing experiences.
  We also highly recommend trying our local hospitality cuisine called “Takeno Oshiage Ryori.”

  We look forward to welcoming you to Japan!”

• Ii Ikei

  As a soulful artist, I aspire to convey a hymn to life, the joy of love, sensitivity, passion, and a dreamlike world through my original, and mysteriously artworks.
  I am committed to creating enduring art that withstands adversity and trials—works that shine with courage, inspiration, and hope, captivating the hearts of all who see them.
  I have also contributed to a wide range of special projects, including the creation of ema (votive plaques) and yabusame (horseback archery) artworks for Nikko Toshogu Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  Moving forward, I will continue striving to promote the importance of art and culture to future generations across the globe, so they may come to understand the preciousness of life.
  Currently, I serve as a judge for a postcard art competition, appear on TV and radio programs, and contribute to international cultural exchange as a Cultural Goodwill Ambassador for the International Friendship Association.

• Irodori

  In 2019, Irodori launched the “Japanese Culture Promotion Project” with the goal of creating opportunities for younger generations to easily engage with traditional Japanese culture. Since then, they have held events at local landmarks such as Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, Tenshiba Park, Hankyu Department Store and Osaka Expo. The project has grown into a large-scale gathering that brings together skilled artisans from various regions across Japan.
  They have also embraced innovation by incorporating collaborations with international professional performers and experimenting with creative fusions like Nihon Buyo and TikTok, blending the timeless beauty of tradition with the energy of the present.
  They are also involved in Adopt Forest activities to help protect and preserve Japan’s forests for future generations.

• ISEKATAGAMICHOUKEIGA KAOU OSUGI

  Ise-katagami from Mie Prefecture is a traditional craft used in kimono dyeing. To overcome the challenge of a declining number of successors, a new art form called choukeiga has emerged, which develops these techniques into contemporary artworks. Osugi Kou held a solo exhibition in France in 2024, and in April of the same year, they were honoured with the Mie Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award.

  “I have created many choukeiga works and actively promote this craft through exhibitions and workshops both in Japan and internationally. Through Japan Week, I hope you will enjoy experiencing the living tradition of this craft as it adapts to the modern era.”

• Japan National Tourism Organization London office

  Japan is a land overflowing with unforgettable experiences.
  The Japanese archipelago stretches from north to south, east to west, and is home to a remarkable variety of regional cultures, natural splendors, and man-made wonders both old and new.
  It is a place where you can keenly and profoundly feel the passage of time – both through the ages from the past to the present, and in the moment, with each of its four distinct seasons bringing with it new sights to behold, delicacies to savor, and activities to enjoy.

• Lift

  Lift Co. are always attentive and proactive in planning art events. They organize a variety of projects in Japan – from exhibiting artworks in public spaces to exploring innovative digital initiatives – all aimed at bringing art closer to a wider audience.

  “For the people of Manchester, we are excited to introduce a selection of Japanese art. We hope you will enjoy it”

• NIPPON TRAVEL AGENCY

  Nippon Travel Agency is entrusted with ticket sales for the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, which is currently held in Osaka. Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, places particular emphasis on attracting overseas visitors and especially those from the UK.

  Through our promotion in Japan Week in Manchester, we hope many people in the UK will know about the charm of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai and we look forward to welcoming many guests at Osaka.

• Osaka City

  The City of Osaka, which has signed a MOU with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, has long flourished as a centre of Japan’s economy, culture, and tourism. Osaka is renowned for its rich food culture, diverse entertainment offerings, and traditional performing arts that represent the essence of Japan. Today, it has become a world-class tourist destination, welcoming countless international visitors.

  Currently, the Expo 2025 is also being held in Osaka.

  “We are pleased to present the many charms of Osaka, as well as the appeal of the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai to the people of Manchester.”

• PRI-SONAYE

  “Prisonae” is a collaboration between Marin Nakamura and Wajigen Shizukuya which presents a new and innovative style of Japanese clothing by blending traditional Japanese cloth with modern Western fashion elements. They introduce a fresh take on the hakama-style outfit for women – stylish, comfortable, and easy to wear in everyday life.

  “We warmly invite everyone in Manchester to experience this contemporary approach to traditional Japanese dress. Don’t miss the chance to try on this beautiful fusion of past and present!”

• Shiga Lake Biwa

  Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake, was formed about 4 million years ago and is recognized as one of only 20 ancient lakes in the world – making it the 3rd oldest on the planet. Thanks to this remarkable natural feature, Shiga Prefecture, where Lake Biwa is located, has developed a unique food culture and offers one-of-a-kind travel experiences shaped by its rich water resources.

  “We warmly invite everyone in the UK to visit the Shiga & Lake Biwa booth and discover the hidden charms and deep cultural richness of this lesser-known region of Japan.”

• Shikoku Railway Company

  Shikoku Railway Company is the railway company that operates across the entire Shikoku region of Japan, covering Tokushima, Kagawa, Ehime, and Kochi prefectures.

  Shikoku is a local region where travelers can experience the traditional and original landscapes of Japan, with each of the four prefectures offering its own unique nature, cuisine, and culture.

  Shikoku Railway Company offers a variety of convenient and affordable train passes for overseas visitors.We also operate special sightseeing trains allowing passengers to enjoy stunning scenery along the route, delicious local food, and heartwarming interactions with local residents.

• Shiranuka Town

  “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.

• THE NOHGAKU PERFORMERS' ASSOCIATION

  THE NOHGAKU PERFORMERS’ ASSOCIATION is an organization dedicated to preserving and promoting “Nohgaku”, which was inscribed in the very first list of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage.
  Nohgaku or Noh is a traditional Japanese performing art with a history of over 700 years, remarkably preserved in its original form.

  We have held number of performances and seminars to introducing beginners to Noh and training the next generation of performers both in Japan and overseas.As a comprehensive art form that embodies the spirit and aesthetics of Japanese culture and the Japanese mind, we sincerely hope audiences in the UK will have the opportunity to experience and appreciate the profound beauty of Noh.

• WEST JAPAN RAILWAY COMPANY

  Fukuoka Prefecture Tourism Association promotes the many attractions of Fukuoka, the gateway to Kyushu, both domestically and internationally. Fukuoka is a city where history and modernity harmoniously coexist, offering a rich variety of delights including delicious food, warm-hearted people, vibrant festivals, and traditional crafts.

  During Japan Week, we look forward to warmly introducing the charms of Fukuoka’s tourism, culture, and cuisine to everyone in Manchester and across the UK, hoping to inspire you to add Fukuoka to your “must-visit” travel list someday.
  We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to deepen our cultural exchange.

• SAKURA kimono art studio

  Sakura Kimono Art Studio offer experiences that celebrate the beauty of traditional Japanese culture. Japanese clothing, especially the kimono, is cherished not only in Japan but around the world. With the right coordination, kimono can be enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds.

  “We are passionate about sharing the wonderful charm of this traditional attire globally.

  Through Kimono dressing, hairstyling, and photography, you can immerse yourself in a vibrant and elegant world of Japanese aesthetics.”

  Experience the beauty of Japan’s traditional clothing and enjoy a memorable and special moment that will stay with you forever.