Born in 1963 in Nagoya City JAPAN. He is an artist who expresses the unique "movement, rhythm, and spirituality" of traditional Japanese culture as a comprehensive art form. He is the inventor of the "Projection Live," the world's first synchronization of video and performance, and acclaimed overseas as an originator. He has been invited to perform in 47 countries around the world and performed at global events such as the opening ceremony of the Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan and the opening ceremony of the IOC General Assembly in Kuala Lumpur. In 2022, the stage "The Life of HOKUSAI", which Sakakura composed, directed, choreographed, and starred in, received an award "Cool Japan Matching Award" from the Cabinet Office of JAPAN.

They are an established traditional and contemporary Taiko Drumming group and performing many prestigious venues.  e.g. WOMAD, Latitude, Live Earth at Wembley Stadium, Dubai Expo 2020, UK Business Award Ceremony with the presence of HRH King Charles and many more engagement worldwide 

Joji Hirota was awarded Ambassador’s Commendation Award by Japanese Embassy in UK and was chosen as one of the 100 Japanese Respected in the world for poll vote in Newsweek 2007

The group will be performing Harvest Festival and some other tune today

Below is Newspaper cut 

''The mighty thunder of huge taiko drums. Intricate and fascinating rhythms and soundscapes take us from traditional rhythms into melodic drumming.''

MUGEN restaurant will provide hot and cold Japanese food downstairs at the venue.

LUNCH

- Takoyaki (octopus balls)

- Yaki gyoza (chicken / vegetables)

- Ramen (shoyu)

- Assorted tempura (prawns, renkon, sweet potatoes, shiitake, carrots)

- Yakitori skewers (x2 skewers)

- Chirashi sushi

DINNER

- Takoyaki (octopus balls)

- Yaki gyoza (chicken / vegetables)

- Onigiri (salmon, tuna mayonnaise, vegetables)

- Ramen (shoyu)

- Chicken katsu curry

- Horenso salad (spinach salad) / 

Goma ingen (French beans in sesame dressing)

Crafted in Japan, HeavenSake is an award winning creation by French Wine Master Regis Camus in collaboration with Japan’s most respected sake breweries. Their common ambition, was to create the smoothest sakes in Japan by combining Japanese excellence with French taste.

Presenting:

HEAVENSAKE

Junmai 12

Junmai Ginjo Label Azur

Junmai Daiginjo Label Orange

Junmai Daiginjo Label Noir

Sake BABY!

Supporting Drink Japan, SakeShoten.com is an online resource for Japanese Sake. Products will also be on sale from `Drink Japan after the event.

Showcasing IWC Trophy winning Sake: 

1. 16th Kurouemon Junmai Ginjo Miyamanishiki Champion Sake 2023

2. Mikotsuru Junmai Ginjo Sankei Nishiki - Champion Sake 2021

3. Niizawa Atagonomatsu Senretsu Karakuchi Honjozo

4. Niizawa Atagonomatsu Tokubetsu Junmai

5. Daisekkei Alps Ginjo

6.Sawahime Ginjo - Champion Sake 2022

7. Hanahato Kijoshu 8 Years -Koshu Trophy 2024

8. Chikuha Binnai Koh Hakko Junmai Sparkling Sake - from Noto

9. Masuizumi Barrel aging Kijoshu Koshu Trophy 2021

10. Hiwata Kimoto Junmai Daiginjo

KUBOTA was born in Niigata prefecture, a province renowned as a major sake producers.

Taking advantage of ingredients harvested from the land of Niigata, abundant with nature, the sake is brewed with a craftsmanship passed down from the day of its foundation. It is all about a creation fostered by Niigata’s nature and traditional culture.

Taste the following sake: 

Kubota Senju

Kubota Koju

Kubota Junmai Daiginjo

Kubota Manju

Kubota Daiginjo Genshu

Mori-Sato-Umi Voyage explores the synergy between forest, ocean, and community in coastal Miyagi, showcasing their interconnectivity as the foundation of resilience.
Through transformative exploration of places, people and concepts, visitors will form a deeper understanding of nature, its dichotomy of blessing and adversity,and experience the emergence of a stronger self, a wider perspective and a resilient future.

Sharing the following range of beverages with Drink Japan: 

Coedo Kyara India Pale Lager 333ml 5.5%

Coedo Beniaka Imperial Sweet Potato Amber Ale 333ml 7%

Coedo Ruri Pils Beer 333ml 5%

Coedo Shiro Hefeweizen Beer 333ml 5.5

Fuji Single Malt Whiskey 700ml 46%

Fuji Single Grain Whisky 700ml 46%

Daiyame Imo Shochu - Sweet Potato Spirits 900ml 25%

Kaido Yakiimo Shochu - Sweet Potato Spirits 900ml 25%

DEN-EN ENVELHECIDA Sweet Potato Shochu 700ml 25%

Mt. Fuji has long inspired art and reverence around the world and is home to JAPANESE WHISKY FUJI. Nestled at the foot of Mt. Fuji, FUJI-GOTEMBA DISTILLERY has been pursuing the ideal whisky for many years. JAPANESE WHISKY FUJI embodies the captivating Mt. Fuji's natural beauty and the enduring tradition of craftsmanship. The beautiful experience of JAPANESE WHISKY FUJI created this way brings joy to life and sparks unforgettable moments of inspiration.

Showing at Drink Japan

FUJI Single Blended Japanese Whisky

FUJI Single Grain Japanese Whisky

FUJI Single Malt Japanese Whisky

Mercian is a leading Japanese company specializing in the production of wines, spirits, and other beverages.

Known for its high-quality products, Mercian combines traditional craftsmanship with innovative techniques to cater to both domestic and international markets.

Presenting at Drink Japan

Chateau Mercian Yamanashi Koshu

Chateau Mercian Fuefuki Koshu Gris de Gris

Chateau Mercian Iwade Koshu Ortum

Chateau Mercian Yamanashi Muscat Bailey A

Chateau Mercian Mariko Merlot

Chateau Mercian Jyonohira Ortus

Yatsu Boshi Precious Citrus Gin

YATSU Rice

YATSU Black Sesame

YATSU Sweet Potato

Since 1856, the Yonezawa family has brewed their Sake in the picturesque seaside town of Akashi-city in the Hyogo prefecture. Akashi-city is famous for its exceptional sea bream (Tai) and its dedication to producing the finest sake. Akashi Tai is the best expression of everything we believe in a true artisanal sake. Handmade in small batches by our Toji (Sake Master), Kimio Yonezawa and his close team of trusted craftsmen. A classic and traditional style premium Sake, using only the highest quality, locally sourced rice and natural spring water. The Akashi Sake Brewery uses traditional brewing methods to create sake that embodies the essence of Japanese craftsmanship.

Showcasing the following Sake at the event: 

Akashi-Tai Junmai Ginjo Sparkling Sake, 30cl (7%)

Akashi-Tai Ginjo Yuzushu, 50cl (10%)

Akashi-Tai Junmai Daiginjo Genshu Yamadanishiki Sake, 72cl (16%)

Akashi-Tai Honjozo Tokubetsu Gohyakumangoku Sake, 72cl, (15%)

Akashi-Tai Shiraume Ginjo Umeshu, 50cl (14%)

Toku Junmai Daiginjo saké is brewed in Asahikawa, Japan’s coldest city in Japan’s coldest prefecture, Hokkaido. In Asahikawa, winters are long and cold, with below-freezing average monthly temperatures from November to March. The city also sees an extraordinary amount of snowfall with Japan’s lowest ever temperature (−41°C) being recorded in Asahikawa. It is this cold climate that makes it ideal for brewing exceptional saké.

Sampling and selling 

Toku Saké Junmai Daiginjo 2023 

Clearspring is a family business and since 1993. We have been committed to pioneering authentic Japanese specialities and organic fine foods. We are proud to bring you our award-winning ranges that are enjoyed around the world.

Our products make a valuable contribution to sustainable agriculture by supporting organic farmers, artisan food producers and a plant-based diet. 

Showcasing the following products:

・Organic Japanese Brown Rice Crackers

・Snack Organic (Nuts)

・Organic Seaveg Crispies (Crispy Seaweed Thins)

・Organic Japanese Tea & Matcha Powder

・Tofu

・Tamari Soya Sauce