Today's idea - Japanese Street Festival

Today Moshi Moshi creates another Japanese Festival, each of which I've really enjoyed so far. Today they're turning Bartholomew Square into "miniature Tokyo" which not only revolves around the eating and drinking of Japanese food and drink (both of which I, like many, am very good at) but also brings a couple of cultured bits along. Throughout the festival will be Japanese performances, free origami, calligraphy classes, and traditional Japanese games and events, with mentions about a theme focusing on 'the plight of the fish'.

"The whole of the square will be transformed into a miniature Tokyo, with street names and stalls selling Japanese goods and food."

It's lasting until bank holiday Monday tomorrow, and if you head there today you can catch some Taiko drumming at 2:30pm, but the entire event should be pretty lively throughout the day as they usually are. I think yesterday's may have shut down early from rain, but today is looking positively sunny (horray!) so everything should go without a hitch.

Running until May 31st.
Facebook event page:

Today's idea - Japanese Street Festival

Today Moshi Moshi brings the city's first ever Asahi Anime Festival, a celebration of all things manga and anime. There'll be a major live Japanese band (although we do not know who), a gothic Lolita fashion show, game show, speed drawing competition, giant chalk manga artwork, manga merchandise from London's Tokyo Toys, group sing-a-long karaoke and of course "Japanese street food and wacky snacks". And drink. You too can acquire a good knowledge of Japanese alcoholic beverages through the store's frequent celebration of Japenese culture.

You can find details of all the above here, and if you'd like to be part of the Japanese Gameshow it's a the place to get information.



The big thing is likely to be Cosplay (costume + play = dressing as characters, most commonly Japenese fictional ones), growing steadily in popularity in the UK.

There's even a fashion parade, and one for kids too:

"Bleach, Naruto, Sailor Moon, Chobits, and Full Metal Alchemist will be just some of the anime personalities to be seen at the Festival. Others will come as their own outlandish creations. Cosplay is where the cult of the avatar meets fashion, and indeed a fashion show will take place during the day on Saturday, including one for children."

Time: Midday - 10.30pm.
Location: Opticon (opp. Moshi Moshi restaurant), Bartholemew Square.
Map: here.