This September, for those who have an interest in traditional Japanese culture, “From Tradition to Modernity: Understanding Nohgaku” is a great opportunity to get to know about Nohgaku (noh and kyogen) theatre, at a series of events taking place across the UK in September. Also, for another side of traditional Japanese culture, six spectacular Kabuki costumes are on display at Ashmolean Museum in Oxford, where you can see a selection of incredible textile techniques. You can find more about each event in our Japanese Events in September calendar below.
Meanwhile, if you would like to try Sake or if you’re already a fan of Sake, West London Wine School has an “Introduction to Sake Tasting” workshop and “WSET Level 2 Award in Sake” course to explore the world of sake as well as “Sake Scholar Course” to take one step further with the goal of mastering it.
Apart from those mentioned above, other interesting Japanese events in September include the ‘GRAND SUMO highlights at Japan House London’ to follow the action of the Tournament with a daily screening, ‘Japan FEST’ in Buxton to introduce Japanese culture with lively performances, and “Kimono: The Making of a Cultural Icon” exhibition in Bath to learn the history of the kimono from everyday wear to high fashion. You can also try your hand at Sushi Making in High Wycombe, Origami Paper Folding, Shodo Japanese Calligraphy and Japanese Woodblock Printmaking in London.
September 1st, 8th & 22nd: WSET Level 2 Award in Sake (Classroom)
- Date: Sunday, September 1st (Day 1), Sunday, September 8th (Day 2) & Sunday, September 22nd (Exam) 2024
- Time: 10:30 – 18:30 (Day 1 & Day 2) | 11:00 – 12:00 (Multiple-choice Exam)
- Cost: £550
- Location: West London Wine School, located inside The Wine Cellars (access via the Big Yellow Storage Company entrance) 71 Townmead Road, Fulham, London SW6 2SG
The WSET Level 2 Award in Sake covers all the main categories of sake styles and examines the influences of production methods on each different category. No prior sake knowledge is required to start this course, so it is suitable for people new to the sake category as well as those wishing to build on the introductory knowledge already gained. You will taste a minimum of 18 sake samples during the course and also become a competent and confident sake taster.
For more information and booking, please check the WSET Level 2 Award in Sake Course page.
September 3rd: Japanese Conversation Group
- Date: Tuesday, September 3rd 2024
- Time: 19:00 – 23:00
- Cost: Just turn up and pay at the door a small fee to cover the costs of the buffet. NO BOOKING REQUIRED.
- Location: The Red Lion, 14 Kingly St, Carnaby, London W1B 5PR
The Japanese Conversation Group provides a friendly and informal atmosphere for Japanese speakers of all nationalities to come together and speak Japanese – intermediate level recommended. Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of every month. They begin at 7.00pm and finish around 11.00pm.
For more information, please visit the Japanese Conversation Group page.
September 5th & 7th: Happy Origami Workshop
- Date & Time: Thursday, September 5th 19:00 – 20:30 | Saturday, September 7th 14:00 – 15:30
- Fee: £15
- Location: THE SNOOTY FOX (Opposite Canonbury Overground Station), 75 Grosvenor Avenue, London, N5 2NN
This is a wonderful Origami experience where you will learn about Japanese traditions. Just by folding paper, you will be happy and calm and before long it will bring a smile to your face. Japanese Origami artist Toshiko, a member of British Origami Society, will be teaching you how to fold Kawaii elephant and Magic wheel, etc. and you’ll have lots of fun!
For more information and booking, please check out the Happy Origami Workshop page.
September 6th – 22nd: GRAND SUMO Highlights at Japan House London
- Date: Friday, September 6th 2024 (GRAND SUMO Preview) | Sunday, September 8th – Sunday, September 22nd 2024 (GRAND SUMO Highlights)
- Time: Screenings are every day at 17:30 | No screening on September 7th
- Admission: Free
- Location: The Shop and The Hall, Japan House London, 101-111 Kensington High Street, London, W8 5SA
Follow the action and experience the excitement of the September 2024 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo with a daily screening of NHK WORLD-JAPAN’s GRAND SUMO Highlights at Japan House London. Broadcast in English by NHK WORLD-JAPAN, GRAND SUMO Highlights takes you ringside with play-by-play commentary on the day’s action and background information on this sport which originated in Japan and boasts a history of more than 1500 years.
For more information, please visit the GRAND SUMO Highlights at Japan House London page.
September 7th: Charity Sip and Paint Special! Holborn & September 21st: Paint The Great Wave! Holborn
*Charity Sip and Paint Special! Holborn: Saturday, September 7th 2024 | 17:00 – 18:00 | £21.99 | London Art Bar, Holborn, 300 High Holborn, London WC1V 7JH
*Paint The Great Wave! Holborn: Saturday, September 21st 2024 | 15:30 – 18:00 | £39.99 | London Art Bar, Holborn, 300 High Holborn, London WC1V 7JH
Your sip & paint events at the London Art Bar, Holborn will be themed around Hokusai’s Great Wave off Kanagawa! Make a splash and have a waving good time as you re-imagine this iconic series. Unleash your creativity – wine glass in one hand, paint brush in the other. No experience needed! Your PopUp Painting experience in London will include: All art supplies – including paint, brushes, canvas and apron.
For booking and more information, please check the Charity Sip and Paint Special! Holborn and Paint The Great Wave! Holborn pages.
September 12th: Introduction to Sake Tasting
- Date: Thursday, September 12th 2024
- Time: 19:00 – 21:00
- Entrance Cost: £40
- Location: West London Wine School, located inside The Wine Cellars (access via the Big Yellow Storage Company entrance) 71 Townmead Road, Fulham, London SW6 2SG
Looking for something new to drink this year? The popularity of sake is growing by leaps and bounds every year – come and find out what all the fuss is about! Sarah, Sake expert and tutor, will cover the basics of history, ingredients, production and classification, introduce the major styles and show how basic wine tasting principles can easily be applied to sake. We will taste six different styles of sake alongside cheese and nibbles to help enhance flavours and introduce sake and food pairing concepts.
For more information and booking, please check out the Introduction to Sake Tasting page.
September 15th – 17th: Sake Scholar Course
- Date: Sunday, September 15th – Tuesday, September 17th 2024
- Time: 9:00 – 16:00
- Cost: £765
- Location: West London Wine School, located inside The Wine Cellars (access via the Big Yellow Storage Company entrance) 71 Townmead Road, Fulham, London SW6 2SG
This course will feature a full three days of class, curated tastings and an opportunity to meet like-minded individuals. The Sake Scholar Course covers the 47 prefectures that comprise Japan, exploring the regionality of each through the lens of sake and shochu, and by exploring their history, geography, ingredients, and sake making techniques. The course will ultimately complement your sake knowledge and enhance your ability to sell, purchase or simply enjoy sake.
For more information and booking, please check the Sake Scholar Course page.
September 23rd – 27th: Japanese Woodblock Printmaking – Inspired by Edo Prints
- Date, Time & Location: Monday, September 23rd 11:00 – 15:30 Watts Gallery – Artists’ Village, Down Ln, Guildford GU3 1DQ | Tuesday, September 24th to Friday, September 27th 10:30 – 16:30 School of Traditional Arts, 19-22 Charlotte Road, London EC2A 3SG
- Price: £385 (Admission to the Watts Gallery is included)
This course starts with a visit to the Watts Gallery to view the exhibition, ‘Edo Pop: Japanese Prints 1825 – 1895’. There, you will have opportunity to be inspired by the intricate Japanese woodblock prints that portray daily life in Edo (now known as Tokyo), and sketch designs in the gallery to prepare the design of your own print. On days 2-5, the course will move to the studios at the School of Traditional arts, where you will learn how to make a colour woodblock print. By the end of the course, you will have made your own print and have the basic knowledge for making your own prints independently.
For more information and booking, please visit the Japanese Woodblock Printmaking page.
September 27th: School of SHODO – ‘The Art of Japanese Calligraphy’
- Date: Friday, September 27th 2024
- Time: 13:30 – 16:30 with a tea break
- Fee: £58
- Location: School of SHODO, The Art Worker’s Guild, 6 Queen Square, London WC1N 3AT (first floor)
All materials included and the utensils are prepared. You’ll have 90min x2 (3 hours) of hands-on instruction, including 1 to 1 help and learn essential brush movements, calligraphy techniques and how to use all four treasures of the studies, brush, paper, ink and ink stone. You will also receive tips, advice and detailed insights from a practicing calligrapher: plenty of inspiration and techniques to experience the mindfulness process.
For booking and more info, please check out the Shodo The Art of Japanese Calligraphy page.
Ongoing Japanese Events in September: From Tradition to Modernity – Understanding Nohgaku | V&A South Kensington Craft x Tech Tohoku Project
1) From Tradition to Modernity: Understanding Nohgaku from its establishment 650 years ago to contemporary times
- Date: Friday, August 23rd to Tuesday, September 24th 2024
- Time & Location: Various
Nohgaku (noh and kyogen) theatre holds a place of profound importance within Japanese culture, deeply embedded in Japan’s rich historical tapestry.
A series of linked activities will take place in the UK from August 2024. This not-for-profit programme, including an exhibition at the Embassy of Japan in September, seeks to illuminate the vital position that noh holds in Japanese culture and history, offering UK audiences a unique opportunity to engage more deeply with this classical art form.
For more information, please visit the From Tradition to Modernity: Understanding Nohgaku page.
2) V&A South Kensington Craft x Tech Tohoku Project
- Date: Saturday, September 14th to Sunday, October 13th 2024
- Time: 10:00 – 17:30
- Admission: Free
- Location: Prince Consort Gallery, V&A South Kensington, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 2RL
This initiative showcases the collaborative designs of the inaugural edition of Craft x Tech. The participating craftspeople are from the six prefectures of the Tohoku (north-east) region of Japan: Tsugaru-Nuri lacquerware (from Aomori prefecture), Kawatsura-Shikki lacquerware (from Akita prefecture), Nambu-Tekki ironware (from Iwate prefecture), Sendai-Tansu cabinet making (from Miyagi prefecture), Oitama-Tsumugi textile (from Yamagata prefecture) and Aizu-Hongo-Yaki pottery (from Fukushima prefecture). This exhibition takes place as part of London Design Festival 2024 at V&A.
For more information, please check the V&A South Kensington Craft x Tech Tohoku Project page.
Outside of London Japanese Events: Carving a Character (Cambridge) | Kimono – The Making of a Cultural Icon (Bath) | Kabuki Kimono (Oxford) | Sushi Making Workshop (High Wycombe) | Japan FEST (Buxton)
1) Lecture and demonstration: Carving a Character – The Hidden Craft of the Noh Mask with KITAZAWA Hideta
- Date: Saturday, September 14th 2024
- Time: 14:00 – 15:30
- Price: £10 (concession £7) – limited availability
- Location: Elena Hall, West Court, Jesus College, Cambridge, CB5 8BL
Noh theatre is a major traditional Japanese performing art, recognised as an Important Intangible Cultural Property by the Japanese government and as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. KITAZAWA Hideta, master craftsperson and second-generation Noh mask-maker, will introduce the fascinating world of Noh masks, demonstrating the techniques used to make them while offering a rare chance to take a closer look at these wooden works of art. He will also present some of his more recent creations inspired by contemporary characters.
For more information and booking, please visit the Carving a Character page.
2) Kimono – The Making of a Cultural Icon
- Date: Friday, July 5th to Saturday, December 14th 2024
- Time: Tuesday – Friday 10:30 – 17:00 | Saturday 10:30 – 17:00 Last admission at 16:15
- Admission: Included in general Museum admission price
- Location: The Museum of East Asian Art, 12 Bennett Street, Bath BA1 2QJ
Through a series of colourful woodblock prints and photographs, the exhibition will trace the development of the kimono from everyday wear to high fashion, including contemporary costumes from one of Lady Gaga’s favourite designers. The exhibition will also display a stunning embroidered kimono along with an incredible collection of Japanese objects associated with the wearing of kimono, including exquisite lacquerware and intricately carved netsuke.
For more information, please check the Kimono – The Making of a Cultural Icon page.
3) Kabuki Kimono: Costumes of Bando Tamasaburo V (Display)
- Date: Tuesday November 21st 2023 to Sunday December 8th 2024
- Time: 10:00 – 17:00
- Admission: Free
- Location: Textiles Gallery 5, lower ground floor, Ashmolean Museum, Beaumont Street, Oxford, OX1 2PH
Six spectacular kimonos belonging to the kabuki actor Bandō Tamasaburō V will be on display in the Textiles Gallery for a year. Tamasaburō is the most popular and celebrated onnagata (male actor who performs female roles) currently on stage. The costumes selected reflect the wide variety of roles in this actor’s long and celebrated theatre career, from court ladies and courtesans to geisha and demons. You’ll see beautifully crafted costumes that showcase a range of elaborate textile techniques, including weaving, dyeing, embroidery and hand-painting.
For more information, please visit the KABUKI KIMONO: Costumes of Bando Tamasaburo V page.
4) Sushi Making Workshop
- Date: Saturday, September 14th 2024
- Time: 13:00 – 14:30
- Price: £40 (includes all ingredients, a drink + 17 pieces of sushi for you to takeaway and enjoy).
- Location: The Front Room, High Wycombe, 9 Castle St, High Wycombe HP13 6RZ
This 90-minute hands-on Sushi Making Class will teach you how to make 4 different kinds of authentic sushi (Smoked Salmon Temarizushi, Sweetcorn Gunkanzushi, Cucumber and Yukari Hosomaki, Tuna Surirachamayo Futomaki) in a relaxed and fun environment.
For more information and booking, please check the Sushi Making Workshop in High Wycombe page.
5) Japan FEST Buxton 2024
- Date: Sunday, September 29th 2024
- Time: 11:00 – 17:00
- Admission: General Admission Ticket £10 + £0.84 booking fee | Family Ticket £35 + £2.94 | Under 5″s Free
- Location: Pavilion Gardens, Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 6BE
An event to celebrate Japanese Culture for the first time in Buxton. This event is being meticulously crafted by passionate and motivated individuals to bring just a small taste of Japan to Buxton. Activities for this cultural event include Japanese arts and crafts, authentic handmade food, Japanese inspired drinks, performances, Activity areas, and anime plus much more.
For more information and booking, please check out the Japan FEST Buxton 2024 page.
We hope you found our Japanese Events in September 2024 round up helpful, and you’re able to check out some of these fantastic events!
We’ll be updating this event page as we get more info, so be sure to come back and check the latest events listed.
Also, please feel free to comment below on your experience if you were able to attend! This will give our readers a better idea of what to expect and may encourage them to join future events by the same organizers.
If you’d like to submit information for your Japanese event coming up in September or October, please get in touch with us through our contact form.
