Concert and Bon Odori Dance Workshop

6pm: Concert - Goldsmiths students Emme Sum (vocals) and her band, and Luke Wynn-Ruffhead (piano) present a captivating programme of music inspired by Japan.

Workshop - Following the concert, everyone is warmly invited to take part in a Bon Odori dance workshop and experience this vibrant Japanese festival tradition first hand.

Bon Odori (盆踊り) is a traditional Japanese folk dance performed during the Obon festival to welcome and honour the spirits of one's ancestors. The choreographed movements are simple and repetitive—often mimicking harvesting or fan-waving—allowing anyone in the crowd to join the circle.

Free, open to all - this event is generously supported by the Japan Foundation and the Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation.

Image: Prof Yusuke Wajima (University of Osaka), who gave the earlier presentation ‘Bon Odori as Nexus: Folk Meets Popular through Song and Dance’ , performing a Bon Odori dance.