Kabuki, one of Japan’s traditional performing arts, is stepping out of Japan for its international customers. Shochiku Co., Ltd., kabuki’s official promoter, has announced that it is joining UK’s largest Japanese culture event, the HYPER JAPAN Festival 2025. In the centre of London, visitors are invited to experience a variety of activities which are designed to be engaging and accessible, introducing newcomers to the charm of kabuki.

HYPER JAPAN Festival 2025 is taking place at Olympia, London, from July 18th to July 20th, and is expected to attract 50,000 visitors over the weekend. Since 2010, the event has introduced the diversity of contemporary Japan, from manga and anime, to music, fashion, food, traditional culture, gaming, technology, tourism and more.

Kabuki Stage-hands’ Live Painting Performance
At the exhibition booth supervised by Shochiku Co., Ltd., under the theme of “Meet Kabuki – Experience Japan’s Unique Theatre”, a variety of activities that will explain the essence of the traditional performing art will be prepared.
Throughout the exhibition period, visitors are invited to see a fascinating live painting performance showcasing the art of kabuki staging. A kabuki set design expert will draw special images on canvas designed exclusively for the event.

Kabuki Costume Experience
Once you enter the stall, you’ll see intricately crafted kimonos that are actually used in kabuki performances. A professional wardrobe assistant will dress visitors up in authentic kabuki attire, and they can take a commemorative photo in front of the beautifully painted kabuki stage set.

Kumadori Bodypainting Experience
‘Kumadori’ is one characteristic style of kabuki makeup, in which the colour and the way of painting the lines changes according to the role. Visitors can try putting on a mini-version of the traditional makeup on their bodies and enjoy this temporary Japanese art form throughout the day.

Japanese traditional item giveaways
At the exhibition booth, visitors will have a chance to try ‘kabuki omikuji’ by drawing a random fortune-telling slip to see what kabuki performance and character best represents their personality.
Ukiyo-e-inspired uchiwa (flat fans) are also available as souvenirs, offering visitors a traditional keepsake to remember their experience and to share it with loved ones.

If you’re in the area, please stop by and experience the Japanese performing arts!

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Hyper Japan Festival 2025

■Date&Times:
Friday 18th July: 12:00-20:00
Saturday 19th July: 10:00-20:00
Sunday 20th July: 10:00-17:00

■Place:
OLYMPIA EVENTS, Hammersmith Rd, London W14 8UX

■Official Website:
HYPER JAPAN