Ahead of the Hokuriku Shinkansen's March 14th opening, Toyama Prefecture held the tourism PR event "Toyama Week in Tokyo 2015" at KITTE in Tokyo's Marunouchi JP Tower from March 2nd to 8th. The event showcased the prefecture's diverse attractions, including its food, traditional culture, and nature.
The event featured displays and sales of approximately 300 specialty items, including masu sushi, kamaboko fish cakes, confectionery, local sake, and crafts, along with traditional craft workshops. Additionally, the "Toyama Kagayaki Stage" hosted talk shows, concerts, and traditional performances featuring guests with ties to the prefecture.
On the 7th, an opening ceremony was held on a special stage. First, Governor Ryuichi Ishii of Toyama Prefecture took the stage and stated, "It is said that the opening of the Hokuriku Shinkansen will increase visitors to Toyama Prefecture from 6 million to 17 million annually. Toyama boasts unique ingredients and abundant beautiful nature. We held this event to let people know about Toyama's wonderful appeal. Please take the Shinkansen and come visit Toyama."
Next, actress Shigeru Muroi, a native of Toyama Prefecture, appeared in an elegant kimono featuring motifs of the Hokuriku Shinkansen, the famous local tulips, and the Tateyama mountain range. She appealed, "I'm eagerly awaiting the opening. Since it's possible to make a day trip round-trip from Tokyo, I want to return home at least three times a month. Toyama has delicious fresh seafood and mountain produce, and the majestic Tateyama mountain range is truly beautiful." Governor Ishii joined them, and they passionately discussed Toyama Bay's diverse charms: its ingredients like Toyama Bay sushi, firefly squid, white shrimp, and winter yellowtail; and Toyama Bay itself, which became the second bay in Japan to join the "World's Most Beautiful Bays Club." Governor Ishii stated, "Toyama Prefecture is also top-class in Japan for manufacturing. I really want people to know about our high-level technologies like glass and cast iron." Muroi added, "Along the coast and in the mountains, there are unassuming towns and villages that let you feel the original scenery of Japan. The local cuisine at neighborhood eateries offers flavors you can only find there. I hope people will relax and unwind in these places, not just the tourist spots."
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