Tasting JAPAN WEEK at Westfield Stratford 14 to 18 March and Arigato Parade in St Patrick's Day Parade and Festival on 18 March
The Government of Japan has been holding various events and festivals all over the world since February 2012 as part of "JAPAN NEXT" campaign, which will last until the end of March 2012 (See attachments). This campaign is designed to express Japan's gratitude to the world for its support for the Great East Japan Earthquake of March 11th 2011 (3/11) and showcase Japan's recovery through introduction of Japan's proud culture and technology which are referred to as 'Cool Japan.'
For the United Kingdom, two events will be held as part of "JAPAN NEXT" campaign from the 14 to 18 March 2012 in London showing Japan's gratitude and introducing the appeal of Japanese food. Events will have a theme of ARIGATO, the Japanese word for thank you.
From 14 to 18 March there will be "Tasting JAPAN WEEK" to offer a Tasting Japan experience at Westfield Stratford with Japanese food and Japanese alcohol. The Champion of the Year in IBA World Cocktail Championship Mr Takafumi YAMADA will be on hand to create delicious concoctions, including 'Great Sunrise' for which he won the World Cocktail of the Year with hope for Japan's recovery from 3/11 and a specially created cocktail 'ARIGATO' for 'thanking' the world for its support following last March. Arranged Japanese food will be also offered for tasting to show just how easily Japanese food can be cooked at home and to introduce the sensitivity of taste and the art of cuisine.
As part of the St Patrick's Day Parade and Festival on Sunday 18 March Japanese performers including Maikos, Geisha and Japanese traditional instrument performers, as well as Japanese nationals living in the UK from Wakayanagi school of Japanese dancing dressed in traditional Kimonos will take part in the ARIGATO parade.
On the Sunday there will also be an ARIGATO stall at the festival in Trafalgar Square displaying panels and playing the video to thank the world for its support on Japan that suffered the devastating earthquake and tsunami, and to introduce the appeal of Japanese food, products and traditional culture.
Tasting JAPAN WEEK
14 to 18 March 2012
- 14-17 March: 11.00 to 19.00
- 18 March: 12.00 to 18.00
Venue: Gallery North, Westfield Stratford, London
Contents: Tasting of Japanese food and alcohol/ Showcase of Japan's recovery and 'Cool Japan' through panels and a video
ARIGATO Parade
18 March 2012
Parade starts at 12.00 for 2 hours
Venue: Central London
Contents: A parade by Maiko, Geisha, Japanese traditional instrument performers and etc.
ARIGATO stall
18 March 2012
Open 12:00-20:00
Venue: Trafalgar Square
Contents: Showcase of Japan's recovery and 'Cool Japan' through panels and a video
About "COOL JAPAN" STRATEGY
In recent years, the people in the world have praised and admired some aspects of the distinctive Japanese sense of beauty and unique tradition of culture as reflected in fashion, products, food, traditional culture, design and the arts calling them "Cool Japan." The Government of Japan considers "Cool Japan Strategy" designed to spread and deliver "Cool Japan" throughout the world as one of the important strategies for Japan's economic growth. As "Cool Japan" will also play significant roles for Japan's recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake of March 11th 2011(3/11), the Japanese government has started to work on a policy in relation with "Cool Japan" to rebuild Japan and communicate with the world on the recovery of the country and Japan brands.
About "JAPAN NEXT" Campaign
As part of "Cool Japan Strategy", the Japanese government carries "JAPAN NEXT" campaign to deliver "Cool Japan" and express their wholeheartedly gratitude to the worldwide community for its support, conducting various events and festivals all over the world. The strong determination of the Japanese people in overcoming the severe damage of 3/11 is infused into the word, "JAPAN NEXT" as a message. For more information, please visit our website at http://www.jp-event.jp/en/index.html.
Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=50193745&lang=en
Contacts:
Kaizo
Alistair Kent, +44 207 316 4709
alistair.kent@kaizo.co.uk
