Iwate Prefecture Announces Program Schedule for Japonismes 2018 in France

To convey appreciation for earthquake recovery support and present Iwate Prefecture's charm in France

TOKYO, Oct. 17, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Iwate Prefecture is excited to announce its programs in the Japonismes 2018, the annual Japanese culture event to be held in and around Paris, France from October 18 through October 27.

Japonismes 2018 is highly anticipated as a combination of artistic and cultural event that provides the French locals with the opportunity to discover the charms of Japanese culture. Among the groups participating in the event will be Iwate Prefecture, also known in Japan as the "golden country." Iwate prefecture will showcase the World Heritage town of Hiraizumi, the Hashino Blast Furnace Ruin, the Sanriku's regional food culture and more. There will be 5 festival and related performance groups as Iwate Prefecture plans to give a memorable showing of itself and the rich part it has played in Japanese history and traditional culture.

1. Cultural Program

At Japonismes 2018, Iwate Prefecture will immerse visitors in a Japanese cultural experience with traditional dances, including the Sansa-Odori (Sansa Dance), Onikenbai (Devil's Sword Dance), Kagura (traditional Shinto dancing and music), Toramai (Tiger Dance) and "Shishi-Odori" (Deer Dance). In addition, the group plans to provide a variety of Iwate-themed festival activities, including sake tasting, cultural exchange with traditional Iwate performing groups and showcase of Iwate Manga.

2. Iwate Gratitude Reception

On Thursday, October 18, Iwate Prefecture will host an invitation-only reception, the Iwate Gratitude Reception, for VIP guests at the Maison de l'Alsace to show gratitude for the earthquake recovery assistance rendered to local governments and the private sector. The reception will be a presentation to guests on how ongoing and future prefectural projects, such as Rugby World Cup 2019, the 2019 Sanriku Disaster Recovery Project, the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, International Linear Collider attraction and Jomon Archaeological Site World Heritage registration, will lead to increases in tourism, sales opportunities for prefectural products and cultural, artistic and sports exchange with other regions.

Event Information

Event: Japonism 2018
Website: http://matsuri.japonismes.org

Iwate Prefecture-Related Events

Culture Understanding

Friday, October 19, at the House of Culture of Japan in Paris

1.    Workshop: 4:00-5:00 pm and 5:30-6:30 pm, 5th floor
2.    Culture sharing: 7:00-8:00 pm, 3rd floor
3.    Folk performing art exhibition: 8:00-9:00 pm, 3rd floor

Festivals/dances

Saturday, October 20, 5:00-6:00 pm and Sunday, October 21, 1:00-2:00 pm, at the Jardin d'Acclimatation

Tourism booth exhibition

Saturday-Monday, October 20th-22nd, 10:00 am-7:00 pm, Jardin d'Acclimatation
Organizer: Prefecture of Iwate (Takuya Tasso, Governor)
http://www.pref.iwate.jp/about/language.html