Visit Okinawa is delighted to announce the return of Okinawa Day, taking place on Saturday 20th June at The Blue Market in Bermondsey from 11am-5pm. Organised by London Okinawa Sanshinkai, the free family-friendly festival celebrates the culture, music and traditions of Okinawa, Japan's southernmost subtropical prefecture. Following the success of its biggest event yet in 2025, organisers are looking forward to welcoming even more visitors in 2026.

Now in its 13th year, Okinawa Day will bring the spirit of the Ryukyu Islands to London through live music, traditional dance performances, Eisaa workshops, karate demonstrations and authentic Okinawan cuisine, alongside Japanese craft and cultural stalls. Thousands of visitors are expected to attend throughout the day.

Located just three hours from Tokyo and one-and-a-half hours from Taipei, Okinawa comprises 160 islands known for their turquoise and emerald green waters, subtropical landscapes and distinctive Ryukyu heritage. Famous as the birthplace of karate and recognised as one of the world's five Blue Zones, Okinawa is celebrated for its unique culture, wellness traditions and relaxed island way of life.

Event Details

• Date: Saturday 20th June 2026
• Time: 11am-5pm
• Location: The Blue Market, Bermondsey, London SE16 3UQ
• Entry: Free

For more information about the event, visit: www.sanshinkai.uk/okinawa-day

ENDS

About London Okinawa Sanshinkai:

London Okinawa Sanshinkai was formed in 1999 at SOAS (School of Oriental and African Studies) by academics specialising in Ryukyu Classical Music and Yaeyama Folk Songs studies. Since then, the group has been disseminating Okinawan music, dances and culture through a variety of activities and performances not only in the UK but also in other European countries. At the centre of these activities is the annual “Okinawa Day” event.

About Okinawa:

Japan's southernmost prefecture, Okinawa, comprises 160 subtropical islands boasting a year-round warm climate comparable to Hawaii, Miami and Cancun. Less than three hours by air from Tokyo and 1.5 hours from Taipei, Okinawa is easily accessible. Blessed with incredible natural beauty - from lush forests to crystal-blue waters with abundant coral and pristine white sands - it is perfect for beach lovers and sports enthusiasts alike, whilst still appealing to culture seekers thanks to its unique history and heritage. Using the bountiful fresh local ingredients its natural environment produces, Okinawa's culinary culture is also unique and is believed to be a key factor in Okinawa's status as one of only five blue zones in the world recognised for longevity.

For further media information about Okinawa, contact: Be Okinawa - UK & Ireland Representative, Laura Boo: E: laura@humewhitehead.co.uk / T: +44 (0) 203 375 4056