The Will Adams Festival

Will Adams was a 16th century navigator, born in Gillingham, who lived in Japan and set up the first trading link between Japan and Britain. Since 2000, there has been a festival in Gillingham each September to celebrate the culture and traditions of Japan through displays and workshops.

Yuko Nakano performed two beautiful songs on the traditional Japanese koto on the main stage.

Chaucer College students also put on dramatic exhibitions of kendo and karate. Our Fisherman's Dance troupe performed the dynamic and exciting Soran Bushi, telling the story of Japanese fishermen and their daily struggle against the cold, stormy seas. Chaucer also offered a number of interactive stalls including Origami, Calligraphy, Manga art and Japanese chess.

View the thumbnails on the right for pictures of this event.