Seppuku Pistols are a band who play traditional Japanese instruments such as the taiko drums, the bell, the shamisen and the bamboo flute, with chaotic fervor. Seeing a performance from Seppuku Pistols, in their folk costume and ‘setta’ footwear, is like travelling back in time to the Edo era of 150 years ago. At their guerrilla live performances held throughout Japan, they call out to the public, “We are rebelling against the convenience of modern world and rally for a return to a more simple life.” 

Mr. Suzuki, a member of the Seppuku Pistols, is one of only three ‘setta’ and ‘geta’ footwear craftsmen in Japan today. Following the Seppuku Pistols performance at 12pm, he will host a talk and demonstration on the history of ‘geta’ and ‘setta’ (types of Japanese sandal) and then lead a making workshop.

All materials are provided at this workshop – you’ll learn how to make geta that fit you and keep your feet healthy! This workshop is for adults (age 18+).

About the artists

Seppuku Pistols was started by four ex-punks because of the Great East Japan Earthquake and the nuclear power plant explosion in 2011. Their very first performance was on the line of the no-entry-zone around the nuclear power plant. Since then, they have been “rebelling against the deceptive modernisation in the indigenous Edo style way” and have about 30 members all over Japan.