TOKYO STREET CELEBRATES 12TH ANNIVERSARY WITH ‘HARAJUKU KAWAII’ CELEBRATION
(Left) His Excellency Mr. Katsuhiko Takahashi, Puan Sri Cindy Lim and Madam Mami Takahashi partaking in a Kagami Biraki sake breaking ceremony to mark Tokyo Street’s 12 anniversary. (Right) Photo of international cosplay star KNITE.
KUALA LUMPUR, 28 JULY 2022 – Award-winning cultural precinct Tokyo Street is set to burst with colour and vibrancy as it celebrates its 12th anniversary with an exciting 'Harajuku Kawaii' themed campaign. The event is made even more special as Pavilion Kuala Lumpur celebrates their 15th anniversary, making it a double celebration for all to enjoy!
The celebration promises to showcase the best of kawaii culture, featuring Instagrammable props, enchanting decorations, captivating pop-ups, and myriad engaging activities. Shoppers are invited to indulge in a remarkable fusion of Japanese culture, dining, shopping, anime, cosplay and festival – all at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur.
For the second consecutive year, Pavilion KL is thrilled to collaborate with AniManGaki, one of Malaysia's largest animation, comics, and games conventions, bringing forth an array of exciting events, including highly anticipated competitions, runway shows, and captivating displays. Adding to the excitement, international cosplay sensation KNITE, hailing all the way from Sydney, will be gracing the event and hosting meet-and-greet sessions with fans on 29th July from 5pm to 7pm.
The grand launch of Tokyo Street's 12th anniversary celebration took place yesterday (27th July) at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur. The event was attended by esteemed guests of honour, including His Excellency Mr. Katsuhiko Takahashi, the Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia; Madam Mami Takahashi, wife of the Japanese Ambassador; and Puan Sri Cindy Lim, Executive Chairman of Pavilion Kuala Lumpur. Other guests include Ms Mai Onozawa, Managing Director of Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO); Mr. Daisuke Tanaka, Secretary-General of Japanese Chamber of Trade & Industry, Malaysia; Mr Masashi Shiraishi, President of the Japan Club of Kuala Lumpur; Ms Fumi Matsumoto, Executive Director of the Japan National Tourism Organisation, Kuala Lumpur Office; Mr B Ravintharan, Heads of Cards, Group CFS, Maybank; and International cosplay sensation KNITE.
As part of the celebration, guests were treated to an impressive Yukata Parade featuring more than 60 students from SEGi University ushering guests of honour from the Main Entrance to Tokyo Street. The event showcased an energetic traditional Japanese Wadaiko drum performance, setting the tone for the exciting event ahead. Embracing Japanese tradition, a Kagami Biraki sake breaking ceremony was conducted by the esteemed guests of honour, symbolising good fortune and jubilation. The excitement continued as international cosplay star KNITE engaged in a meet-and-greet with the audience, and took part in the 12th anniversary cake cutting ceremony to mark the momentous 12th anniversary milestone.
IMMERSE IN JAPANESE CULTURE
At Tokyo Street, shoppers will be transported to the streets of Harajuku where they can indulge in Japanese street food, with pop-ups from Frost n Bites, Tokyo Teppan, Kakiyuki, Okonomi, Matcha Hero, and Gindaco & Croissant Taiyaki.
Shoppers can also explore the Harajuku Kawaii Pop-Up Festival, which offers a host of experiential workshops, including a DIY phone case workshop, express bling nail art manicures, fashion booths showcasing Harajuku's iconic style, and various booths and displays featuring figurines, toys, and dolls to awaken the inner collector in everyone.
Pavilion Kuala Lumpur is proud to host the Japan Embassy's ‘Seasons of Japan’ exhibition at Tokyo Street from 5th to 28th August. The exhibition will showcase a variety of Japanese dolls and decorations, including warrior May Dolls (Kabuto); ornamental Hina Dolls that represent the emperor, empress, and their court; a Tanabata Tree for shoppers to hang their wishes; and intricate tea sets.