Events

Celebrating all things Japanese pop culture in KL

Tokyo Street celebrates its 11th anniversary in conjunction with 40 years of the ‘Look East Policy’

Updated 1 year ago · Published on 29 Jul 2022 1:00PM

Celebrating all things Japanese pop culture in KL — Running from now until this Sunday, the anniversary celebration invites the city to immerse in Japanese cultural engagements. – Pic courtesy of Tokyo Street, Pavilion KL, July 29, 2022

by Amalina Kamal

THE award-winning Tokyo Street shopping and dining precinct celebrated its 11th anniversary at Pavilion KL recently, kickstarting a week of authentic Japanese themed activities for patrons of the mall to enjoy.

The event ending on Sunday, July 31st, is being held in conjunction with 40 years of the ‘Look East Policy’ (LEP) with Japan ambassador to Malaysia H.E. Katsuhiko Takahashi officiating the affair.

Japan ambassador to Malaysia H.E. Katsuhiko Takahashi was present to officiate the affair. – Pic courtesy of Tokyo Street, Pavilion KL

A traditional Japanese drum performance, as well as a sake barrel-breaking and cake cutting ceremony took place before VIPs were given an exclusive tour of the ‘Art of Kimono’ exhibition and Japanese pop-up stores at centre court before proceeding to Tokyo Street.

The anniversary celebration invites visitors to the city to immerse in Japanese cultural engagements with experiential workshops, notably in traditional and modern fabric and accessory making, as well as plenty of gaming experiences for enthusiasts to explore.

The AniManGaki marketplace offers shoppers the chance to purchase limited edition figurines, handmade crafts, Ichiban Kuji and Gachapon. – Pic courtesy of Tokyo Street, Pavilion KL

“Tokyo Street not only houses Japanese retail and F&B brands, we also collaborate with Japanese business partners to showcase Japan’s rich culture, heritage and technology,'' said Pavilion KL marketing director Kung Suan Ai.

“With this celebration, we look forward in the aid to help strengthen the bilateral relationship between Malaysia and Japan."

The stunning ‘Art of Kimono’ exhibition is the main highlight of Tokyo Street’s 11th Anniversary. – Pic courtesy of Tokyo Street, Pavilion KL

Since its opening in 2011, Tokyo Street has offered visitors a chance to be transported to the streets of Harajuku. Cosplayers, anime lovers, comic enthusiasts, gamers, dancers and the simply curious are welcomed to check out AniManGaki’s cosplay, dance competitions and live musical performances on July 30 and 31.

Popular Malaysian cosplayers Hakken, YingTze and Preston will hold a special meet and greet session in AniManGaki this weekend. – The Vibes, July 29, 2022