The opening ceremony for the "JAPAN OMOTENASHI PAVILION" was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil!

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Coinciding with the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil, the "JAPAN OMOTENASHI PAVILION" opened on June 12th within Parque da Bola in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (running until July 13th).　The organizing Japan Presentation 2014 Executive Committee, composed of lead agency Dentsu Inc. and participating private companies, serves as the operational body. It collaborates with government ministries and agencies to plan and run the pavilion, promoting the Japan brand globally through a unified public-private effort.

Under the theme "Connecting Japan and Brazil with the Spirit of Omotenashi," the pavilion offers experiences with Japanese tea, wagashi sweets, freshly made soba noodles, and traditional seasonings. It introduces Japanese food and culinary culture, alongside festival traditions like yukata and Japanese drums. The pavilion also showcases Japan's 8K television broadcasting, anime, comics, J-POP, and features DJ events utilizing Vocaloid technology, presenting Japan's appeal from multiple angles.

The opening ceremony on June 12 began with the sound of the conch shell, traditionally used to signal the start of battle, accompanied by Japanese drums played by local Japanese volunteers. Attendees cheered for the Japanese team, which faced its first match that evening, while celebrating the pavilion's opening.　Following this, a yukata show designed by Junko Koshino, who oversaw the "JAPAN OMOTENASHI PAVILION," was held. In her address, Koshino shared her vision for the pavilion, stating, "I hope this will deepen understanding of Japan's 'OMOTENASHI' and serve as an opportunity to further strengthen the friendship between Japan and Brazil."

The opening reception held inside the pavilion featured live demonstrations and servings of Japanese cuisine specially prepared for the occasion by renowned Japanese chef Shinya Koike, representing Brazil. Sake and beer provided by participating companies were also served, allowing the approximately 90 local guests who attended the reception to fully enjoy Japanese "OMOTENASHI."

Prior to the opening ceremony, a workshop supervised by Junko Koshino was held, with 15 elementary school students from the local Japanese school participating and challenging themselves to create snail-shaped objects. The snail design workshop will run throughout the event period, with a giant object scheduled for completion on the final day, July 13.

The latest on-site updates will be shared on the "JAPAN OMOTENASHI PAVILION" Facebook page throughout the event period.
https://www.facebook.com/japanpresentation

Japanese elementary school students in Rio de Janeiro intently drawing the Brazilian flag

Japanese elementary school students in Rio posing for a commemorative photo with Mr. Kosino holding their artwork

Rio children captivated by traditional Japanese conch shell and drum performances

Miss Nikkei Rio de Janeiro wearing a yukata

(From left) Carlos Mariani Bittencourt (First Vice President, Rio Federation of Industries), Junko Koshino,

Mr. Yasushi Takase (Consul General of Rio de Janeiro) toast with Japanese sake

Rio children watching a Japanese soba noodle demonstration

JAPAN OMOTENASHI PAVILION Overview

Name: JAPAN OMOTENASHI PAVILION
Content: As the first initiative of the Japan Presentation Project to convey Japan's appeal from multiple angles, it introduces Japan's renowned culture and technology, known as "Cool Japan," and provides visitors with an opportunity to experience authentic Japanese hospitality.
Organizer: JAPAN PRESENTATION 2014 Executive Committee
Dates: June 12 - July 13, 2014 ※Rio de Janeiro local time
Hours: 12:30 PM - 9:30 PM (Until midnight only on June 14)
Venue: Parque da Bola (Jockey Club, Rio de Janeiro) http://www.parquedabolario.com.br/

＜Special Programs During the Event Period＞ ※Rio de Janeiro local time

◆June 19: "Traditional JAPAN DAY"
5:00 PM SAKE Party ~ Japanese food and sake tasting
6:00 PM: Wadaiko Live Performance ~ Performance by a Rio-based Wadaiko group

◆June 24: "Cool JAPAN DAY"
2:00 PM Japanese Restaurant Week Opening Ceremony ~ Japanese food and sake tasting, kagami-wari sake barrel breaking, etc.
4:00 PM VOCALOID Live ~ DJ/VJ live performance by a leading expert utilizing VOCALOID technology