CentralWorld will reserve many of its zones for activities to inspire people who love Japanese culture during Japan Expo Thailand, from Friday until Sunday.
Said to be the biggest Japanese event in Asia, the 13th edition of the expo will feature nearly all aspects of the Land of the Rising Sun, from entertainment to art, education to cuisine, tourism to fashion, CSR activity to business -- all of it under the theme "Infinite Japan", throughout 13 zones.
More than 40 of Japan's hottest bands, consisting of 300 total performers, will hit the main stage located in front of the shopping mall. Headliners will be the idol girl group AKB48; legendary singer Shigeru Matsuzaki; and Maimi Yajima, former leader of girl group Cute, who will give her debut concert at the expo.
Shigeru Matsuzaki. Japan Expo Thailand
A lot of games will be at a nearby zone, where Rilakkuma products and limited-edition merchandise for anime collectors and cosplay fans will be available. The same ground will also house over 30 famous restaurants, serving the best of authentic Japanese cuisine, including fresh seafood from Hokkaido Asaichi and desserts.
The stage in front of Isetan will feature the Cover Dance of the Year contest, J-Live music cover activities, a cartoon-themed singing contest, a gathering of cosplay fans, and concerts by Kamitsuki, Raft and Sweat 16.
At the Central Court, Sorgenti, a duo singing group, will perform a fusion of traditional Japanese and modern pop, while the Ryoma Quartet will showcase its professional skills in blending local and western musical instruments to produce a well-balanced sound.
Also set to perform will be famous traditional-Japanese dancer Naomichi Hanazono. Visitors will have the chance to model a kimono and learn to play samisen and create Japanese calligraphy.
Special discounts on tour packages to Japan, amusement-park tickets and JR Pass train tickets, as well as direct air tickets from Thai Airways, will be offered at Eden 1 zone, where cultural performances from Japanese cities will be staged. A replica of a film studio for samurai and oiran, a variety of Japanese products, and the streaming of Japanese TV programmes will be presented at the Dazzle and Eden 2 zones.
Representatives from 30 schools in Japan, including language schools, universities and vocational schools will be on hand at the Zen Event Gallery on the 8th floor. They will provide information and advice for Thai students wishing to further their studies in Japan. Those interested in working with Japanese companies are invited to join seminars with gurus. A B2B platform will allow entrepreneurs of both countries discuss business opportunities.
The expo will run from 10am-8pm. There is no admission fee. Visit japanexpothailand.com or call 02-658-0555 ext 112.
