On the 4th January 1st and 7th February, 3 events brought popular cultures of the UK and Japan together, plus updates leading to the 4th tsunami anniversary on March 11th.

It's not been smooth sailing for some of those communities, who found themselves with government plans for reconstruction that didn't consult with the citizens themselves. The resulting discussions mean that in some places progress has stalled and people still live in temporary shelters, separated from their friends and relatives 4 years on.

Nevertheless, this event celebrated resilience, recovery and renewal and was a fun and uplifting experience!!

A mix of classic UK, US and Japanese contemporary and traditional music :- Beatles, Bob Dylan, SMAP, roots slide guitar blues and original songs with video.

With guest artists Naomi Suzuki, Tally Koren, Shala, Kinue Kato, Robin Faraday, Alix Harrow , George Ostapko on keyboards and the Imai family from Chiba, Japan.

Akemi Solloway, founder of Aid For Japan explained their work with tsunami orphans and performed the costume dance ‘Sakura, Sakura’

‘GREEN SHOOTS,  DEEP ROOTS’

‘OKINAWA SUNSHINE’

THE IMAI FAMILY FROM CHIBA-KEN

BUILD UP EVENTS IN LONDON FOR  CONCERTS IN JAPAN IN 2015