Ever dreamed to be a Samurai? Come join us!
SAMURAI is a universally recognised part of the Japanese culture.
This year in July, Melbourne will host a big Samurai event, a great chance to experience Samurai culture.
The event is projected to commemorate 30 years of sister-city relationship between Aichi prefecture and Victoria. The delegation including Mr. Kanda, the governor of Aichi prefecture, will visit Melbourne to attend a “signing ceremony for culture and art”, “cultural exchange event” and to introduce people to the “history and culture of Aichi”.
The commemorative event will start with a Samurai parade on 18 July, Sunday.
The samurai dressed in armor (Kacchu) and holding matchlock guns, spears, bows and arrows will parade through the Treasury Gardens and the Fitzroy Gardens. It’s a great chance to witness full-scale samurai culture such as Batto (sword drawing art) and Tate (sword fighting). The samurai will also give a demonstration with genuine matchlock guns.
Mr. John Brumby, the Premier of Victoria and Mr. Masaaki Kanda, the governor of Aichi prefecture, will attend the commemoration ceremony.
Furthermore, a “Samurai Booth” will be set in the Art Center with the theme “Aichi: Hometown of Samurai”. The booth will be displayed with Samurai armor and traditional art works such as Kiri-e (paper cutouts), Chigiri-e (paper collage) and so on. Visitors also have a chance to try on samurai armor and Uchikake kimono (a formal kimono for an upper-class lady) to be a samurai and a samurai princess. A staff member at the booth will take a picture of you in the samurai armor and Uchikake kimono, which for you to take home as a souvenir. There will also be some work shops such as Origami-making, Kabuto and Katana (samurai helmet and sword) –making. All ages are welcome!
Come and join us at the parade and commemoration ceremony and be a part of the event!
[Program]
1. Samurai Parade:
Starts from the Victorian Arts centre to the Parliament House (Treasury Gardens → Fitzroy Gardens → Treasury Gardens).
18 July, Sunday, 13:00 – 14:30
2. Commemoration ceremony:
Starts with a kick-off ceremony by Samurai corps, joined by corps equipped with matchlock guns, bows and arrows, Tsubute (throwing Ninja weapons), spears, swords and pistols, then followed by demonstrations such as Tate.
18 July, Sunday, 14:30 – 15:00 in front of the Parliament House
3. Samurai booth:
Provides exhibition (Samurai armor, Kiri-e and Chigiri-e), experience activities (try-on of Samurai armor and Uchikake kimono, photo-taking), work shops (Origami, Kiri-e and Chigiri-e) and so on.
18 Sunday – 20 Tuesday, July, 10:00 – 16:30 every day at the Outdoor event space, the Art Centre Victoria
Come join us!
Experience the Japanese culture and witness Samurai in Melbourne!
Let’s make the event together!
Note: The event is subject to change. Please check the latest information at Go Go Melbourne (http://www.gogomelbourne.com.au/) or please contact us at: 9639-5051.
