What Went Down at the Japan Fiesta 2019
Minna-san, konnichiwa! Hello, everybody!
Celebrating the rich culture of the Land of the Rising Sun, Japan Fiesta 2019 was jam-packed by hundreds of people last November 9 to 10, 2019 at the SMX Convention Center, SM Aura (BGC).
Japan Fiesta 2019 was held to introduce the popular destinations, foods, and traditions of Japan to the Filipinos by bringing together airlines, travel agencies, tourism organizations, and Japanese food brands to the Philippines. Plus, there were exciting activities and freebies in each booth to make the event more enjoyable! The event was hosted by Japanese singer and host, Aisaku.
Japan Fiesta 2019 was hyped by the outstanding performance of the Wako-Daiko, highlighting traditional Japan music. Guests were astonished as the renowned group performed enthusiastically on stage.
Following this is the introduction of His Excellency Mr. Koji Haneda, Ambassador of Japan. He expressed his gladness for the rich relationship and lasting connections between Filipinos and Japanese.
Secretary of Tourism Honorable Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, meanwhile, showed her gratitude for Japan’s consistent support to the Philippines.
After the significant speech, the Kagami Biraki took place, which is a traditional Japanese ceremony usually practiced in big celebrations.
The Kagami Biraki ceremony was graced by Ambassador of Japan His Excellency Mr. Koji Haneda, Secretary of Tourism Hon. Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, Executive Director Daisuke Tonai of JNTO Manila, Board of Trustee of PTAA Mr. Rene Lazaro, the Japanese Association Manila, Inc. President Mr. Mitsuhiko Shimizu, and MNL48 member Abby. Together, they broke the sake barrel open to signal the beginning of the program.
Everyone was exhilarated as the host announced that Sarah Geronimo will be the next one to grace the stage. The multi-talented Filipino superstar performed her iconic hits, Kilometro and Tala, while the audience sang along.
For children, they were given the opportunity to meet Pikachu and Eevee, two of the best-loved Pokemon characters! Lots of children were excited to have a picture with their favorite cartoon and video game characters! Pikachu and Eevee roamed around the venue so that everyone would be given the chance to have a photo with them.
Meanwhile, the world-class talent BLACK presented his extraordinary yoyo show to the guests. He even selected one person from the crowd and performed an impressive trick with the participant!
Following that is the Discovery Japan Photo Wedding, showcasing the vibrant culture and tradition of a Japanese wedding.
One of the highlights of Japan Fiesta 2019 is the ecstatic performance of MNL 48. The renowned girl group performed some of their big hits 365 Araw ng Eroplanong Papel, Aitakatta, and High Tension. MNL 48 fans energized the event space as they chanted and sang their hearts out!
Japanese e-sports athletes, on the other hand, showcased their tactical skills in playing their popular video games. Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) stars Fumiya and Yamyam, whose duo has been dubbed “Fumiyam,” also took part in the e-sports. In fact, fans of Fumiyam were given the chance to play with the PBB stars! The featured e-sports were Gran Turismo and tile-matching video game, Puyo Puyo and Winning Eleven.
For the second day of Japan Fiesta 2019, TV personality Robi Domingo, who has been to Japan numerous times, shared his wonderful experiences in the Land of the Rising Sun. He recounted his JR East experience and most importantly, his great adventure in Tohoku, Japan.
Apart from the exceptional line-up of special guests, a wide variety of exhibitors participated in the event as well.
The participating airlines were All Nippon Airways, Japan Airlines, AirAsia, Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, and Jetstar. The airline companies offered flight bookings and hosted some fun activities for the guests.
All Nippon Airways
Japan Airlines
Cebu Pacific
AirAsia
Philippine Airlines
JetStar
Travel agencies such as Discovery Tour Inc., JTB, Attic Tours, Kasel Travel Solutions, Rakso, Travel Book, and Universal Holidays Inc. offered some of their great deals and promos in the said event. One of which is Attic Tours’ Japan visa processing for only Php 500.
JCB also offered special promos of up to 20% discounts for JCB credit card holders.
JCB
Discovery Tour, Inc.
KASEL Travel Solutions
JTB Tour
Attic Tours
Rakso Travel
Travel Book
Japan Fiesta brought popular attractions from Japan to the Philippines. Guests were able to explore Japan’s amazing attractions as there were Hokkaido, Central Japan, Okinawa, Tohoku Japan, Yuzawa Town, JR East, JR Kyushu, and Universal Studios Japan booths where attendees were able to get tips and information and ideas on activities in these popular destinations.
JR East
JR Kyushu
JR Central
Okinawa
Hokkaido
Tohoku Japan
Yuzawa Town
Don Quijote
Fukui
Universal Studios Japan
For those who crave for some Japanese eats, Japan’s renowned food brands were also present in Japan Fiesta 2019. These include Kirin, House Foods, Pocky, Fuwa Fuwa, Yakult, Emina, Fukui, Tomochan Ramen Express, and Ikomai and Tochi Dessert. A tourist’s Japan experience will never be complete without these luscious Japanese food.
Pocky
House Foods
Kirin Ichiban
Yakult
Fuwa Fuwa
Emina
Ikomai
Tomo-chan Ramen
Fukui
Lastly, HPN3, the Japanese Comedy Trio performed a hilarious and entertaining skit to end the significant two-day event.
Japan Fiesta 2019 was indeed a successful event, with a common goal to introduce Japan’s wonderful destinations and vibrant culture to the Filipinos. This event was organized by Japan Fiesta Council: Embassy of Japan, Japan National Tourism Organization Manila Office, Japan Foundation, the Japanese Association, and Primer Media, Inc.
Japan Fiesta 2019 is one of a kind event, presenting Japan’s picturesque destinations and classic traditions but most importantly, it seeks to strengthen Filipino and Japanese relations. This fiesta is an indicator that Filipino’s truly appreciate the rich culture of the Land of the Rising Sun.
Catch next year’s Japan Fiesta 2020 as there will be more activities and guests to look forward to!
