One of the strangest Olympic Games to go down in history kicks off this Friday, August 23. So far, the Tokyo Olympics have been plagued with woes, but hopefully when Team GB take their marks, collective fervour for the games kick in. Here’s how you can ignite that Olympics spirit in London…
Photo: The Ivy Asia
1 Shōtengai Japanese Market, Coal Drops Yard
Taking inspiration from Japan’s many shōtengai (local market streets) Coal Drops Yard adds a selection of Japanese-inspired homeware, food and art stalls to their regular Lower Stable Street market line-up. This includes posters from Problem Press, Japanese bread from Rise Bakery and Bar, homewares from Notting Hill’s Native & Co and Osaka-style dishes from Brixton Village resident Okan. It’s on at the weekends during the games, so that’s July 24-25, July 31-August 1 and August 7-8. coaldropsyard.com
2 Tokyo Nights, The Ivy Asia
Paying homage to Tokyo’s bright, neon lights and the spectacle of the games, The Ivy Asia is hosting a series of extravagant evenings featuring dinner, cocktails, DJ spinning house, disco and funky beats, and futuristic theatrics – a nod to Japan’s creative, forward thinking outlook. Dress up, dress to kill, and dress like you embody Tokyo nightlife. From 7pm to midnight, from July 23 to August 8; 20 New Change, EC4M 9AG; reservations essential. theivyasia.com
3 Watch it on the big screen, Eccleston Yards
Enjoy the games under the sun, in a charming courtyard in the heart of Eccleston Yards. Relax on one of the many free deckchairs and enjoy a tipple or two from the Moët & Chandon pop-up bar. FYI, Eccleston Yards will also screen the British Lions Tour too. On until August 8, the Olympic Opening Ceremony is screened from 12-3pm, Friday, July 23. Bar open Thursday and Friday from 4pm-9pm, Saturday and Sunday from 2pm-6pm. belgravialdn.com
4 Watch it on another big screen, Japan Centre
Of course the Japan Centre is screening the games live – at their flagship Leicester Square centre, at Ichiba Westfield White City and on a large outdoor screen at Westfield White City Shopping Centre too. While you watch the games, snack, feast or gorge yourself on fresh sushi, ramen, sake and Sapporo and acquaint yourself with the unfamiliar yet wonderful Japanese snacks and sweets. Running from Friday July 23 to Sunday August 8. japancentre.com
5 Live Sumo Broadcast, online
Acquaint yourself with one of the most unique sports in a live broadcast by Japan Centre. Sumo is a traditional form of competitive full-contact wrestling, and even if you’re a long-time fan, there’s probably things you can still learn. Join Japan-based experts live as they take you through Tokyo’s Ryoguku area – the home of sumo. They will take you on a tour of the sumo district and talk you through sport’s cultural context and rituals including sumo stables and chanko (sumo food) restaurants. Saturday August 7 8am-9pm BST (4pm JST). Register your interest in advance here
6 DIY Tokyo food kits, at home
If you’ve been pinged or just don’t fancy a crowd, you can still get into the spirit at home. The Japan Centre have put together a limited-edition Tokyo DIY kit which features roll-your-own sushi, make at home matcha cookies and a sake flight and rice crackers. Food kits are £99 and serve 2-4 people. japancentre.com
7 Free udon, Marugame Udon
Marking not just the opening of the Tokyo Games, but of Marugame Udon (a new noodle kitchen) too, the restaurant is giving away 5,000 bowls of their hand-made Sanuki-style udon soup. ‘Sanuki’ means the udon is made the traditional way and is pretty good quality. There are several options to chose from including the traditional kama age and beef nikutama with sweet short-rib beef and a soft poached egg, and spicy miso pork. To get your brothy bowl, head to the website and join the Marugame Club, and then head to their Spitalfields outpost. 114 Middlesex Street, Spitalfields E1 7ES. Offer is on from Monday July 26 to Sunday August 1. marugame.co.uk
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