The Embassy of Japan, along with its partner organizations and companies, is inviting and welcoming everyone with a big “yokoso!” (welcome!) to the Japan Pavilion at Hall 4, booth 122 to 131 of the SMX Convention Center during the 19th Travel Tour Expo to be held from February 17 to 19, 2012.
Whether traditional or modern, visitors are sure to get to know some of and start discovering the endless discoveries Japan has in store for everyone at the Japan Pavilion.
TRADITIONAL
Maiko and Traditional Performances
The picture-perfect beauty of Yamagata Maikos (young geisha) will greet visitors at the opening of the Japan Pavilion. In recent years, this will be the first time that maikos will ever set foot in the Philippines and seeing their special performance (February 17, 10:30 AM@ Japan Pavilion and 12 PM @ Main Stage) is a memorable event not to be missed.
Traditional Arts, Crafts, and Tastes
Visitors who are into Japanese traditional arts, crafts, and tastes of Japan will find many things to enjoy at the Japan Pavilion. Enjoy the sublime art of flower arrangement at the Ikebana Demonstration (February 18, 1:30 PM) by Mr. Rachy Cuna. Watch the serenity and profound beauty of Tea Ceremony by Urasenke Tankoukai Manila and Wagashi Exhibit (February 17 & 19, 2:20 PM). Feel like a child again by playing the Yo-yo Game (February 17 to 19, 3 PM) by Attic Tours. Learn to fold paper into interesting things through the Origami Workshops (February 17 & 18, 7 PM) . Visitors can also feast their eyes at the mouthwatering Sushi Exhibit (February 17 to 19, 3:30 PM) by Tanabe.
Marvel at the fluidity of Japanese Calligraphy Demonstration (February 19, 12:30 PM and 5 PM) by the Japan Foundation, Manila. Visitors can also pick up useful Japanese words and phrases during the Japanese Lessons (February 17 to 19, 12 PM and 4:30 PM) conducted by the Nihongo Center Foundation. Japan Pavilion visitors can also wear a yukata (traditional summer kimono) and pose in our colorful photowalls.
MODERN
Hip and Popular
Japan is synonymous to cutting edge technology and new trends. Visitors can interact with AIBO, the robo-dog (February 17 & 19, 6 PM; February 18, 6:30 PM). Japan Pavilion visitors can also have a photo opportunity with well-loved manga and anime robo-cat character, Doraemon . Kawaii enthusiasts will definitely enjoy the Make-Up Demo by Shiseido-Majolica Majorca (February 18, 2:30 and 5 PM). Gaming aficionados can get immersed in the fantasy gaming world of Sony's PS3 Interactive Exhibit .
Lively traditional as well as J-Pop dance performances will also be presented by members of De La Salle University's Nihon Kenkyu Kai (February 18, 12 PM @ Main Stage) and University of the Philippines' Tomokai (February 19, 12 PM @ Main Stage).
Contests
Aside from the many exciting activities, visitors can also take part in mini contests. Everyone is invited to tap into their inner kawaii (cute ) and join the Kawaii Contest . Kawaii Contest winners will bring home a Canon Powershot A800 digital camera and gift bags from Japanese cosmetic company Shiseido-Majolica Majorca. Visitors who are confident enough of their knowledge about Japan can test their skills at the Japan Quiz (February 18 & 19, 11:30 AM) and get a chance to win prizes from All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Japan Airlines (JAL).
VISA
Some people may think that going to Japan is complicated because of visa. The good news is, visiting Japan is now more accessible and convenient to Filipino travelers as visa application system improvements have been made. In fact, since January 2012, the system has been changed so that any PTAA-member agency can receive visa application for tourism purposes, which will then be coursed through six accredited travel agencies to the Japanese Embassy.
THANK YOU
Aside from encouraging Filipino travelers to visit Japan, the Japan Pavilion is organized to recognize the mutual goodwill between Japanese and Filipinos. It is also a way to thank Filipinos for their heartfelt solidarity and support for the Japanese people after the massive earthquake struck the Tohoku region of Japan last year.
The Japan Pavilion is organized by the Embassy of Japan with the cooperation of the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR), Japan Foundation, Manila (JFM), Nihongo Center Foundation, Urasenke Tankokai Manila Association; partner companies ANA, Attic Tours, and Universal Holidays, Inc.; and with the sponsorship of Canon, JAL, Otsuka Pharmaceutical, Shiseido-Majolica Majorca, and Sony.
Event Schedule
