Japanaroo to return for second year of celebrations

Japanaroo will be coming back for a second year running with over 20 Japan-themed events taking place between Saturday 3 and Sunday 11 September.

Japanaroo is an initiative to promote exchange between Japan and Australia. Originating in Sydney, Japanaroo promotes the relationship between the two countries through an annual cultural event encompassing food, arts, tourism, education, technology and innovation.

Japan National Tourism Organization Sydney will also launch an online competition inviting Australians to ‘Explore Hokkaido’ for the chance to win flights for 2 to Hokkaido flying with Japan Airlines or a 7-night stay for 2 at the all-inclusive snow resort Club Med Kiroro.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet, commented: “I am delighted that Japanaroo has returned to Sydney for another year in its full glory, giving NSW an opportunity to celebrate Japanese culture and Australia’s deep friendship with Japan.

“NSW and Japan are long-standing partners with substantial cooperation in many areas and I can think of no better way to celebrate our partnership than with Japanaroo.”

Yamagami Shingo, ambassador of Japan to Australia added: “After the success of last year’s event, I am delighted that Japanaroo will be held for a second time, and that I have the opportunity to share this message.”

Some of the events for the festival include:

The Matsuri Japan Festival at Chatswood Mall on Saturday 10 September. This event invites attendees to celebrate Japanese culture and cross-cultural friendship within a multicultural society. There will be Japanese food stalls, live performances, traditional arts and crafts workshops, and kimono’s to purchase.
Japan Expo 2022, which will be held at the University of Sydney on Saturday 3 September, will host over 18 exhibitors showcasing Japanese tourism experiences, food, goods, and culture. Guests will have the chance to buy Japanese products and participate in cultural demonstrations and workshops throughout the day.
A performance of Okinawan dance and sanshin music will take over the Great Hall of the University of Sydney on Saturday 3 September. The three-stringed Sanshin is synonymous with Okinawa and will be performed by renowned Okinawan musicians Alberto Shiroma & Mion Kamei.

Some of the more interactive events include:

Japanese-born contemporary artist, Midori Furze, is hosting a special origami workshop where guests will be invited to put their phones aside and instead learn to transform sheets of paper into 3D works of art. Held on Sunday 4 September at the Midori Fuze Fine Art & Design Gallery in central Sydney.
JTB Australia will be hosting a special one-night-only Hokkaido feast at Artarmon’s popular Robata Jones Japanese restaurant where guests will enjoy a traditional Hokkaido BBQ dinner known as jingisukan. This will be held on Monday 5 September from 6pm.
Sogetsu Ikebana NSW will be hosting an ikebana (Japanese art of flower arrangement) demonstration and workshop at Chatswood Bowling Club on Friday 9 September.
NSW Aiki-Kai (part of Aiki-Kai Australia) will be hosting an aikido demonstration and intro class where you can learn about and try this peaceful and dynamic Japanese martial art.
Aomori Prefecture will host a week-long competition that challenges the knowledge of ski and snowboard enthusiasts about this winter wonderland destination. Visitors to Paul Reader Snow Sports’ Sydney store will be able to enter to win the ultimate Aomori Prefecture gift prize, including an accommodation package for two at Hoshino Resort Aomoriya, lift passes to Hakkoda Ski Area, plus a $500 Paul Reader Snow Sports voucher.

The key visual for Japanaroo 2022 has been created by Ken Done, an artist popular in both Japan and Australia. The artwork for the event has been designed to reflect the spirit of cooperation between Japan and Australia.

“These two symbols represent our two countries – iconic shapes that remind us of the deep and important ties and friendship between our two nations,” Done said.

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Club Med Kiroro Dominic Perrottet Japan Expo 2022 japan national tourism organization Japanaroo Matsuri Japan Festival Okinawan Yamagami Shingo