A word from our principal funder
Roisín McDonough, Chief Executive, Arts Council of Northern Ireland
Foyle Obon - more than a festival!
s
s t
t
. In 2024–25 alone: We led Yūjō Taiko, a cr
drumming to explore p
ce and teamwork. Our weekly classes supported mental health and wellbeing through taiko. We hosted cultural exchange events, connecting yo
North West. Our intergenerational workshops gave families, carers, and newcomers the chance to try something joyful – together. T
Welcome to Foyle Obon Festival 2025!
フォイルオボン祭り
2025へようこそ！
フォイルお盆フェスティバル2025へようこそ！⽇本⽂化、和太⿎、そしてこのコ ミュニティを特別なものにしているすべてのものを祝うために、皆様をお招きで きることをとても嬉しく思います。今年は特に、⽇本から素晴らしい⿎童の皆さ んをお迎えできることを嬉しく思います。彼らの技術、エネルギー、そして⼼ は、私たちのフェスティバルに本当にユニークなものをもたらしてくれるでしょ う。
フォイルのお盆は、私たちが共有する⼈間性を讃え、互いにつながり、⽀え合う ことを⽬的としています。⽇本の芸術の⼒と素晴らしい⽂化交流を通して、私た
ちのコミュニティ に本当に特別なものを築いています。また、資⾦提供者、サ ポ タ 、ボランティアの皆様にも⼼から感謝申し上げます。皆様のおかげで、 私たちは⾳楽、パフォ マンス、コミュニティを通じてつながりを築くという重 要な活動を続けることができています。
このフェスティバルを忘れられないものにしましょう！
A word of welcome from Katsu Umetsu, Cultural Director “There’s just something magical about it –lanterns, drums, laughter… it stays with you. ”
A special performance by Kodō aiyo!
then, he has been a featured
performer on domestic and international tours, as well as in recordings and collaborations with
artists of varying genres.For four
decades, he has captivated and invigorated audiences worldwide with
his energetic performances.In addition
to his stage activities, Saito shares his
passion for creative exchange by
leading workshops that convey the
“We don’t see Japanese culture like this often here – thank you for bringing it to life. ” e
background in Food Science and
Technology, Taiyo applies his
knowledge to keep himself and fellow
performers in peak condition—
essential for the physically demanding
life of a taiko drummer! Alongside
performing, he creates video content
and teaches at Kodō Taiko School,
helping to connect and inspire the
international taiko community.
power of taiko. a a
Japanese Dance
Yukari Norris & Hannari Club
Taiko Drumming
Ibuki Taiko & Guests
Community Taiko
Community Taiko
Himawari Taiko
Himawari means ‘sunflower’ in
Japanese and is the name of our adult
taiko community group. Meeting weekly, members use taiko drumming
as a powerful tool to support their
mental health and wellbeing. Originally
established as part of an Ulster
University research project exploring
the therapeutic benefits of taiko drumming, the group continues to
thrive as a welcoming space for
connection, rhythm, and resilience.
Taiko for Carers
Taiko for Carers is a drumming programme designed to support
adults in caregiving roles, offering a creative outlet for stress relief, connection, and self-care.
Currently funded by Radius Housing,
the sessions provide a welcoming space where carers can recharge, build resilience, and experience the energising power of taiko drumming.
“I didn’t think I could still do something new at my age – but now I drum every week!”
Around the site
here for all Taiko &
s
Japanese Food Workshop
Wakahana Japanese Cuisine
Arts & Crafts Workshops - All drop in!
Get hands-on with the ancient
Japanese art of origami, where a
simple sheet of paper is
transformed into something
extraordinary! Origami (折 り 紙) has
been practised in Japan for
centuries and is much more than
just paper folding—it is a meditative
and creative craft that teaches
patience and precision. With the
guidance of our skilled volunteers,
you’ll soon master the techniques
and take home your very own paper
creations!
We may not get many scorching
summer days in Derry, but in Japan,
a good fan is a must-have
accessory! Fans (uchiwa and sensu)
have been used in Japan for
centuries, not just for keeping cool
but also in theatre, dance, and
traditional ceremonies.
Join us to design and create your
own beautifully decorated fan. Once
your fan is complete, you might
even find it handy during the bon
odori dances, where you can wave it
in time with the music!
“ I didn’t know paper
could be this peaceful. I felt really calm and proud after making the crane. ”
Food & Snacks
Food & Coffee Kakigori
Feeling peckish? There will be
plenty of food stalls dotted around
the festival, offering a mix of local
and international flavours to suit
every taste. Whether you fancy a
Japanese snack, a comforting meal,
or a sweet treat, there will be
something delicious to enjoy.
Need a break? Grab a freshly
brewed coffee or tea, find a spot to
relax, and soak in the vibrant festival
atmosphere before heading back for
more drumming, dancing, and fun!
After all that drumming, dancing,
and festival fun, what better way to
cool down than with a refreshing bowl of Kakigori? This Japanese
shaved ice treat is a summer festival
staple in Japan.
Foyle Obon’s very own Katsu will be
serving up his famous Kakigori,
made fresh using his traditional Kakigori machine, which travelled all
the way from Japan in his suitcase!
This icy treat is guaranteed to be a
festival highlight!
“The kakigōri was unreal – I had two and still wanted more. Best part of the festival!”
Shops & Games
Piricaink Wee Shop
Games & Quiz Trail
We are thrilled to welcome back the
wonderful Shino and Warren from
Piricaink who will be bringing their gorgeous range of kawaii goods! Their stall is always a firm favourite.
Whether you're looking for a special
souvenir or just browsing, the
s plenty to explore!
Step right up and try your hand at traditional Japanese festival games! Whether you’re testing your skills or
just having fun, our talented team of
volunteer gamemasters will be on hand to challenge and cheer you on.
For those who love a challenge, ta
rt in
the festival, answer questions about
Japan and its culture, and you might
just win a special wee prize!
“Foyle Obon gives people a place to belong, to celebrate, and to create something beautiful together. ”
Artistic Director: Fiona Umetsu
Gerry Delaney, Colleen O’ Neill & Shay Clyde 疲 様
Cultural Director: Katsutoshi Umetsu
Company Manager: Nicola Schnurr
Event Manager: Tara Reddin
Festival Intern: Forton Umetsu
Stage Projections & Visuals: Mel Bradley
MC: Sinead Reddin
Video: R& D Media
Photography: Gav Connolly
Board of Directors: Yoriko Marshall, Cara McLoughlin,