First Street Square will be a hive of activity as it hosts the official Opening Ceremony of Japan Week 2025.
This free-to-attend event will feature Japanese Street Performers, theatrical entertainment, traditional dance, Japanese pop artists and even Samurai performances to bring a taste of Japan to the streets of Manchester.
Programme Starts: 15:00
Programme Ends: 17:00
View the performers below:
We 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, we perform Showa-era pop songs and other popular tunes in the traditional “chindon” style.
“Chindonya” are unique Japanese street performers who also act as advertising agents. They parade through the streets while playing drums and wind instruments, drawing crowds and make PR on behalf of clients. It is very unique Japanese style, unlike any other in the world.
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.
“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.
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.
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”.
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” 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.”
