One Big “Yokoso!” (Welcome) from the Yamagata PR Team and Japan Pavilion
emcee, Miss Universe-Japan Finalist, Ms. Naomi Kida (third from right) |
Tohoku Recovery. Expo visitor curiously gazing at the Tohoku Recovery Photo Wall.
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To further promote Japan as a tourist destination for Filipino travelers, the Embassy of Japan's Japan Pavilion booth welcomed over 70,000 visitors with fun and exciting activities in the recently concluded 19 th PTAA Travel Tour Expo at the SMX Convention Center on February 17, 18 and 19. The Japan Pavilion with its “One Japan” concept was given the grand prize for both Best in Marketing and Best Decorated award from the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA).
Yamagata maiko, Saya and Kohana performing the traditional fan dance.
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The three-day event, gave the expo visitors a chance to interact and watch performances of two Yamagata maiko ( geisha -in-training). Armed with their sensu (folding fan), colorful kimono and mysterious smiles, the two maiko from Yamagata delighted the crowd with their gracefulness and old world charm. Yamagata locals also joined the event to promote Yamagata 's local culture and beauty.
Tea time with Ambassador Toshinao Urabe and
JICC Director Kiyoshi Takeuchi of the Japanese Embassy |
A wonderful tea experience was also shared during the event with Ambassador Toshinao Urabe as the first participant in the tea ceremony activity facilitated by the lovely ladies of the Urasenke Tankoukai Association of Manila. The bitter taste of green tea was complemented by the sweet flavor of wagashi , traditional Japanese sweet which was made on-the-spot. The delicately made wagashi sweets were carefully crafted to represent the unique flavors of the four seasons of Japan . The tea experience was made even more memorable by the presence of ikebana flower arrangements by floral architect Rachy Cuna, who also demonstrated modern flower arrangement to eager visitors.
Flower Power. Floral Architect, Rachy Cuna, demonstrates how to make a modern flower arrangement using indigenous materials
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The Sweet Life. Wagashi, traditional Japanese sweets were made and crafted by hand.
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Visitors were also given the opportunity to transform themselves in the kawaii (cute) area using Shiseido- Majolica Majorca make-up products, a make-up expert was also present to help visitors get that signature “ kawaii ” (cute) look. After getting all made up, visitors were invited to join the Kawaii Contest . Contestants were made to do their cutest pose in front of the Canon photo team using the “nyah” (maneki-neko/beckoning cat) pose in support of the Japan Endless Discovery Campaign. Five lucky contestants who exhibited the most “kawaii” look in their photos are Ms. Noemy de Jesus, Yumiko L. Owada, Kylie Bactad, Linda M. Manikan and Karen Elizabeth Ong. They won Canon A800 digital cameras each with additional gift bags from Majolica Majorca for the top three contestants.
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Strike a pose. A Kawaii Contest participant doing the “nya” (maneki-neko pose). Students getting ready for their close-up shot. |
Other fun activities include energetic performances from the University of the Philippines' Tomokai and De La Salle University's Nihon Kenkyuu Kai, Sushi Demonstration and Exhibit, Japan Quiz, Japanese Language Lessons, Yo-yo Game, Cabin Crew for a Day, In-flight Wine Tasting, How to Park an Airplane Demonstration, Meet and greet Robo-dog, Aibo, Meet and greet Doraemon, Pocari Sweat Exhibit and Sony PS3 Interactive Exhibit.
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Energetic performances from University of the Philippines ' Tomokai and De La Salle University's Nihon Kenkyuu Kai |
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Roll with it. California maki rolls and Pocari Sweat samples energized expo visitors |
Say Konnichiwa! Visitors learned basic Japanese phrases they can use for their Japan trip
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Take flight. A future pilot poses with his cabin crew.
Ground crew from ANA (All Nippon Airways) demonstrate
How to Park an Airplane to the delight of the crowd.
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Take flight. A future pilot poses with his cabin crew.
Ground crew from ANA (All Nippon Airways) demonstrate
How to Park an Airplane to the delight of the crowd. |
So Kawaii! University students pose for their group kawaii photo at the Japan Pavilion
The Japan Pavilion was organized by the Embassy of Japan with the cooperation of Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR), All Nippon Airways, Attic Tours and Universal Holidays, Inc.
Thank you for visiting the Japan Pavilion. We look forward to the start of your endless discoveries in Japan !
