Upcoming Events

Following the first two successful editions, this year’s festival will bring films, audiences and filmmakers together in the cinema, while continuing to offer a chance to experience rarely-seen queer cinema from East and Southeast Asia to viewers in London and across the UK. From Japan there will be the screening of What She Likes by Shogo Kusano, a film based on Naoto Asahara’s acclaimed manga novel that sensitively depicts the troubled inner lives of teens.

The British Film Institute (BFI) is presenting a two-month season of anime in April and May 2022. All are welcome to explore several anime classics, keep up to date with the works of contemporary authors and  learn more about the small yet increasingly important group of women working to bring anime into the 21 century. The season also include panel discussions and special intro led by anime experts as well as special screenings at the BFI IMAX.

An electrifying encounter with the new faces of Japanese performance and culture. A young generation of artists, combining east and west, traditional and contemporary come together in the UK for the first time to present a festival that’s startlingly fresh and exhilarating. An eclectic mix of dance, music, theatre, photography, fashion, opera and art – Electric Japan 2022 takes over The Coronet in London, showcasing exciting performances in our theatre and exhibitions throughout the building.

In this one day ceramic course with Jill Fanshawe Kato use hand building techniques to make two beautiful tea bowls. Explore surface decoration and use texture, slips and underglaze to create original and functional pieces. The essence of the tea bowl lies with an intimate form which can be cradled in both hands whilst drinking the thick green tea, an object of contemplation which brings one closer to nature and a state of contemplation.

The Barnes Music Society presents a special concert in aid of charity held at St Mary's Church, Barnes, with Akiko Ono, winner of numerous prizes in prestigious competitions. Akiko has performed throughout Europe, the United States, Central America, North Africa, the Middle East and Far East, and is professor of violin at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, London, and the Yehudi Menuhin School.

Sumida River in Sign Language brings the natural and human worlds together in a drama of physical gesture and facial expression. Performed by deaf, unmasked actors, the play is suffused with the life of the river: pines bending in the wind, flocks of Miyako birds and mist swirling in from the bay.

The hugely successful biennial festival Noh Reimagined thwarted in 2020 returns to London’s Kings Place for the third time in June 2022. Noh Reimagined 2022: Spirits of Flowers explores how the natural world is celebrated and interpreted in one of Japan’s oldest theatrical traditions alongside what it means to our lives today. Noh Reimagined 2022 will bring together top class Noh performers, and host premieres of new Noh inspired work by some of the UK’s top creative artists.

Japan Fest is a brand-new event organised by Otaku World in association with QUAD. Besides performances, film, and anime, activities will include workshops, Japanese arts and crafts plus authentic handmade food and Japanese inspired drinks. Japan Fest is open to all ages, adults, children and especially for families on a day designed to gain a deeper understanding of Japanese culture.