THE ROYAL Armouries has taken on an Eastern theme for the half-term holidays.

The Leeds museum is hosting activities including origami, martial arts demonstrations, sushi workshops and Taiko drumming.

The theme, Eastern Warriors: Japan, ties in with exhibits showcased in the museum’s Oriental Gallery.

This popular display focuses on the great Asian civilisations and the role of arms and armour in the continent’s history.

There will be a Taiko drumming show tomorrow (February 20) at 3pm when families can experience the life-enhancing rhythms performed by world-renowned percussion maestro Joji Hirota.

At noon there will be a drumming workshop when Joji will lead a masterclass for over-sevens.

There will be a martial arts demonstration on Sunday from 1.30pm featuring Kobudo and Taekwondo, then a 60-minute have-a-go session at 3.30pm.

Saturday will feature a sushi-making demonstration with specialist chef Simon Phillips at noon, followed at 2.30pm with a workshop where visitors can make their own Japanese delicacies.

During Saturday and Sunday afternoons there will be films showing Japanese culture, ranging from Kurosawa to Studio Ghibli.

Every day will feature several free gallery talks, presentations and tours, with highlights including the story of Sadako Sasaki and her place in history, the arms and armour of the Samurai, and the tale of William Adams, the first “Western Samurai”.

There will be origami sessions today and tomorrow through the day.

Events manager Rachael Bevan said, “There’s something different every day to entertain and excite the whole family this half term.

“Our visitor experience team will also give live demonstrations and allow visitors to handle selected items from the national collection.”

Visit www.royalarmouries.org or call 08700 344344 for further information.