The long-anticipated "Japan Expo Thailand" returns with more than 50 of Japan's leading artists and activities that represent the best of Japan in art, culture, education, tourism, food, anime, fashion, sport and business opportunities at CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Road, from Friday to Sunday.
Held under the "Infinite Japan" concept to mark the 130th anniversary of Thai-Japanese diplomatic relations by G-Yu Creative Company, the third edition of the country's biggest J-pop event is divided into 11 zones.
The "Japan Expo Thailand" zone is the mainstage where Japanese superstars and idols will perform. They include the all-girl-band AKB48 and Pikotaro, singer of the hit Pen-Pineapple-Apple-Pen (aka PPAP). A 10m Japanese-style garden and street will be presented for photo opportunities.
Akira. G-Yu Creative Company
The "Japan Festa" zone will feature cosplay and cover dances by Japanese superstars on Saturday and Sunday. The programme will include a mini concert by Pink Cres, an exclusive meet and greet with Uquisudani Phil Harmony and actor Shuji Kashiwabara, a live performance by Akira and an idol from Spring Chu@Bit, a live anisong by Takaaki Konno, the "Cover Dance of the Year 2017" contest and a cosplay runway featuring Yuegene Fay.
The "Education" zone will provide information and services for those planning to study in Japan. Representatives from leading institutes will give advice and consultations, while Japanese language courses and scholarships will be introduced.
More than 30 well-known Japanese restaurants will offer authentic delights at the "Taste of Japan" zone. Besides gyosa, ramen, takoyaki and unagi, a variety of tasty bentos, including ekiben, will be served. Those who wear the yugata are entitled to special discounts.
The highlight of the "Anime" zone is the "Best J-University" competition where Thai students majoring in Japanese from 12 universities nationwide will present games they have created. The "Arts and Culture" zone will display floral arts by world-class florist Chako Kariyazaki, who will demonstrate a live flower arrangement, while Prof Ekachai Wankaew, chairman of Buddhism Arts Volunteer, will paint alongside. This zone will see the return of Naomichi Hanazono, a performance by Ryoma Quartet and shodo Japanese calligraphy by Aoyagi Bisen.
While the "Japan Travel" zone will have special prices on JR Pass railway tickets, air tickets to Japan from Thai Airways and package tours to Japan, the "Japan Promotion" zone will present recreations of the famous Samurai and Oiran photo studios.
The "Fashion and Beauty" zone will launch Black Beetles menswear with a mini runway show and feature the "Harajuku Kids in Bangkok" fashion show and the "Best Jeanist Thailand" competition.
The "Sport" zone will be a wrestling stage for legendary female wrestler Dumb Matsumoto, champion Emi Sakura and idol wrestler Riho, while the last zone will promote business connections with many Japanese entrepreneurs set to fly in to meet with Thai entrepreneurs.
The three-day event will run from 10am-8pm. There is no admission fee.
Visit www.japanexpothailand.com, www.gyucreative.com or call 02-658-0555 ext 112.
Pink Cres. G-Yu Creative Company
Naomichi Hanazono. Photos courtesy of G-Yu Creative Company
