Upcoming Events

The English Sumo Nationals will be held on Saturday 28 March 2026, from 10am to 4pm at Brunel University of London, Uxbridge UB8 3PH.This is a selection event for the European Sumo Championships in Scotland in late June. There will be multiple categories per gender, so plenty of matches to enjoy!

An exhibition of contemporary book artworks and artists’ books made in the UK and Japan. It features books created by Japanese artists alongside selections from the University of Southampton Library’s collection of artists’ books, held at Winchester School of Art.

Learn Sumo Wrestling in the London Borough of Hillingdon every Sunday. Open to all abilities, ages and sizes - Adults only. Every Sunday from 3.00 to 4.30pm in Uxbridge, UB8.

On 29 March at Bush Hall, composer Taro Ishida presents “TOKOYO”, reimagining Japan’s 1,300-year-old court music through classical strings and electronics. He is primarily focused on arranging the traditional Japanese music, especially Gagaku and contributed to notable project such as Disney’s SHOGUN (Emmy & Grammy nominated).

After selling out shows at The Barbican in 2025, Ichiko Aoba's next UK stop on her phenomenal rise will be a headline performance at the Royal Albert Hall on 31 March 2026. The folk sensation has garnered fans from across genres and continents with her dreamy approach to songwriting and stunning multi-instrumental talent.

This event is part of the Japanese Studies series organised in collaboration with the Sainsbury Institute for the Study of Japanese Arts and Cultures (SISJAC) and The Courtauld Institute of Art. The venue will be at Royal Asiatic Society Lecture Theatre.

The Meaning of Life, a solo exhibition by Kenji Yoshida at October Gallery, London, comprises a selection of significant works, spanning the decades between the 1960s and 1990s. Highlights include large-scale works that employ precious metals of gold and silver leaf upon Japanese lacquer and coloured paints on canvas.

Kitazawa Hideta is a traditional Japanese master craftsman, Shinto-temple carver and mask maker for both classical noh and kyogen theatre. During the workshop, Kitazawa will guide participants through all processes of the design and carving of a traditional noh mask. Previous experience of carving, sculpture, or working with wood is not necessary.

At all Saints Parish Church, Leamington Spa, an event will be held themed around Sakura season in Japan. The venue will be adorned with vibrant cherry blossom-themed decorations, in celebration of Japanese culture and there will be a variety of workshops and Japanese food.

Japan Fest Leicester arrives Sunday 26 April at Mattioli Woods Welford Road Stadium (11–5). Enjoy live music, taiko drumming, J-pop, culture talks, cosplay, kendo, hands-on activities, an appearance by anime voice actor Brian Beacock, Itasha cars, and authentic Japanese street food in a fun, family-friendly setting.