Organised by the London Okinawa Sanshinkai, Okinawa Day will return to London this June, celebrating the unique music, food and culture of Japan's sub-tropical southernmost prefecture.

Now in its 11th year, the family-friendly event will showcase an array of exciting entertainment alongside workshops, food, and craft stalls. The festivities will take place on Saturday 22 June 2024 in Bermondsey's The Blue Market from 11 am – 5 pm, with over 8,000 visitors expected to attend.

Just three hours by air from Tokyo, Okinawa is comprised of 160 islands boasting more than 1,000 kilometres of stunning coastline, lush green forests, and coral-rich waters. Its year-round warm climate comparable to Hawaii, Miami and Cancun makes it a popular destination for sun-seekers and its unique Ryukyu heritage provides an abundance of fascinating culture and history. Okinawa is also well-known as one of only five blue zones in the world recognised for the longevity of its people and is the birthplace of the martial art karate.

During the event, a main stage will host a variety of performances throughout the day showcasing Okinawa's culture and heritage, from elegant Ryukyu Classical Music and energetic sanshin performances of Okinawan Folk Songs to traditional Eisa dance workshops and demonstrations of Ryukyu Karate. Performers will be travelling from around the world, with acts from Japan, Switzerland, and France. 

There will be plenty to whet the appetites too, with food stalls offering a taste of the delicious Okinawan cuisine alongside further stalls showcasing Japanese crafts from the London Okinawa Sanshinkai and independent retailers.

For more information about the event, visit: www.sanshinkai.uk/okinawa-day

ENDS

About London Okinawa Sanshinkai:

London Okinawa Sanshinkai was formed in 1999 at SOAS (School of Oriental and African Studies) by academics specialising in Ryukyu Classical Music and Yaeyama Folk Songs studies. Since then, the group has been disseminating Okinawan music, dances and culture through a variety of activities and performances not only in the UK but also in other European countries. At the centre of these activities is the annual “Okinawa Day” event.

About Okinawa:

Japan's southernmost prefecture, Okinawa, comprises 160 subtropical islands boasting a year-round warm climate comparable to Hawaii, Miami and Cancun. Just 3 hours by air from Tokyo and blessed with incredible natural beauty, from lush forests to crystal blue waters with abundant coral and golden sands, Okinawa is perfect for beach lovers and sports enthusiasts alike whilst still appealing to culture seekers thanks to its unique history and heritage. Using the bountiful fresh produce its natural environment produces, Okinawa's culinary culture is also unique and is believed to be a key factor in Okinawa's status as one of only five blue zones in the world recognised for longevity.

For further media information about London Okinawa Sanshinkai and Okinawa Day, contact: okinawaday@sanshinkai.uk / www.sanshinkai.uk 

For further media information about Okinawa, contact: Be Okinawa - UK & Ireland Representative, Rebecca Pasha: E: rebecca@humewhitehead.co.uk / T: +44 (0) 203 375 4054