Japan Expo 2007 to be Held in December
Every year, a customary event of autumn is Japan Expo and this year as well it will be held over the two day period, December 1st (Saturday) and 2nd (Sunday) at the Los Angeles Convention Center. This year’s theme is “Japanese Aesthetics and Art.”
Japan Expo is the only cultural event in North America that features both traditional and innovative Japanese culture, technology, products and the like. Since the first event was held in 1980, Japan Expo has served to introduce people living in America to various aspects of Japanese culture and products in order to impart a correct understanding of the merits of “Japan.” Using traditional Japanese culture, craftsmanship and products from different regions of Japan, a bridge of friendship is built between Japan and America so that the “true virtues of Japan” may be conveyed, while at the same time a chance to come in contact with Japanese culture is offered in a place where there are few such opportunities.
“This Japan Expo, which is the 28th time it’s been held, will operate under a new management and the main theme is set as ‘Japanese Aesthetics and Art,” says Director Jayson Yamaguchi, speaking with a quietly enthusiastic air. “From Hokkaido to Okinawa, through the traditional culture and craftsmanship of various Japanese areas, by means of regional culture and cuisine, we will be presenting the real Japan.”
This time, the exhibition hall will be divided into eight zones: “Travel,” “Olden Art,” “J-Pop Culture,” “Arts & Crafts,” “General Enterprise,” “Main Stage,” “Community” and “Food.” This will allow attendees to enjoy the “atmosphere of the venue,” with the true “Aesthetics of Japan” given a three dimensional feeling.
In the “Travel” zone, Japanese culture and history will naturally be presented, along with introductions to sightseeing facilities in various areas of Japan, guides to hotels and ryokan inns and industry. The “Olden Art” zone will feature ancient commercial arts exhibited, the spot sales and antiques from the Muromachi Era (1392-1600) and later eras on display will make for a delightful time for antique lovers. The “Pop Culture” zone will feature the great reservoir of Japanese culture in anime, manga, games and fashions. In addition, it is expected that DJ TANAKA and DRAGON ASH will make appearances in the Japan Expo hall. Attendees will perhaps be treated to something like a live street performance.
The “Arts & Crafts” zone will feature various works made of wood that are good for the environment, illustrating the theme here, the “Fragrance of Wood,” which is intimately related to traditional Japanese culture. In the “General Enterprise” zone, Japanese enterprises beginning to penetrate the American market, Japanese-American enterprises and those services will be presented. Furthermore, the latest technology in manufacturing by Japanese and high quality products will be shown.
Groups, individuals and businesses active in the local community and the like are the focus of the “Community” zone. The “Main Stage” zone will be where doll designs, kimono designs and such things as stage and film costume design will be introduced by Jusaburo Tsujimura, a multi-talented producer, scriptwriter and art director who has been invited from Japan. He has not only been energetically active in the world of dolls, publishing original doll designs, producing doll plays, designing stage costumes and the like, but has attracted great attention in America as an all-around artist.
In addition, the Yoshida brothers, whose music has been used in the commercial for Nintendo’s Wii, will come from Japan to perform on the stage at Japan Expo. Ryoichiro Yoshida and Kenichi are known as shamisen musicians in Japan and have been active throughout the world. Their music can now only be enjoyed on stage at Japan Expo. Also, Tokushima Awa dance will be performed. In addition, World Karate Champion, Kenji Yamaki, director of the Yamaki karate dojo will present a karate demonstration.
The last zone to consider is that of “Food.” The beauty and technique of Japanese cuisine will be demonstrated.
Every year more than 25,000 people come to attend Japan Expo. Under new management, it will be a newborn Japan Expo. This year’s Japan Expo will certainly be different in some ways. For details, see the website.
Japan Expo 2007
Date: December 1 (Saturday), 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
December 2 (Sunday), 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Place: Los Angeles Convention Center, South Hall – K
Tickets: $12 General Admission, $10 Advance ticket (must be purchased by 11/30)
$ 7 Seniors (over 65 years, guests), $ 7 Students, Children under 12, free
More information: Japan Expo Foundation (213) 617-0868
www.japanexpo.org