Milan Expo "Japan Day": Japanese Culture Captivates the World

Japan Day was held on July 11 at the 2015 Milan International Exposition (Expo Milano) currently taking place in Milan, Italy. This was part of the National Days honoring participating countries during the event. The "Tohoku Recovery Festival Parade," expressing gratitude for global support following the Great East Japan Earthquake, featured a lively procession down the main boulevard by ten festivals: Morioka's "Sansa Dance," Sendai's "Suzume Dance (Tanabata Festival)," Yamagata's "Hanagasa Festival," Fukushima's "Waraji Festival," and Aomori's "Nebuta Festival." Hello Kitty and Doraemon also joined the festivities. At the central Italy Plaza, Akita's 12-meter-tall Kanto lantern captivated visitors.

The cultural performance "JAPAN DAY Special Live 2015" featured performances representing Japan's classical and traditional performing arts: the Tsugaru shamisen players Yoshida Brothers, a "Calligraphy and Japanese Drum Collaboration" by Shishu and the Ta Ta Ta Dan Tenko drum group, and the Noh play "Takasago" performed by Hosho Kazuhide. The finale featured a special live performance by Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, representing Japan's "KAWAII Culture," bringing the event to a grand and successful close. A reception themed "Japanese Banquet" was held at the Palazzo Stelline in Milan. International VIPs enjoyed a variety of Japanese cuisine, including authentic dishes specially prepared by chefs from Kikunoi, Tan Kuma, and Kyoto Kitcho. The Milan Expo runs until October 31.