Escape with a new online Japanese festival, Japanaroo, and keep those travel dreams alive
Held from Friday 20 August, Japanaroo will see over 50 Japan-related travel, food and art events held online (and offline in Sydney, alongside pandemic restrictions easing). Interactive online events – including live walking tours of Tokyo, Osaka and Nikko, as well as cooking classes live-streamed from Tokyo – have been planned to entertain and inspire people through the lockdown.
A festive concert will be held at Sydney Town Hall in December featuring a line-up of Aussie and Japanese talent including Kamahl, leading didgeridoo performer William Barton, the Sydney Sakura Choir, and taiko drummers YuNiOn. Japanaroo is an initiative from the Consulate-General of Japan to celebrate multiculturalism and exchange with Japan in Australia.
All event attendees go into the running to win a return flight to Japan with ANA and Japan Airlines.
Ever wanted to learn how to be a samurai? What about learning the secret art of Japanese cooking? Japanaroo is bringing a bit of Japan to Sydneysiders during the lockdown and beyond, showcasing the foodie, arts and culture, and sporting delights of this captivating country.
Premier of New South Wales, Gladys Berejiklian, said on the event: “I am delighted to welcome the first Japanaroo festival to Sydney, celebrating Japanese culture and the deep friendship between Japan and Australia. Coming just weeks after the Tokyo Olympics, Japanaroo provides the opportunity to enjoy a range of Japan-related performances, cultural experiences and events.”
Yamagami Shingo, Ambassador of Japan to Australia added: “Japanaroo 2021 is an event made possible thanks to a wide range of collaboration between our two countries. It is my sincere hope that the Japanaroo initiative will expand even further together with the ever-deepening relationship between Japan and Australia.”
Japanese and Australian street artists visually bring to life the festival
To capture the essence of the festival, Japanese artist Kentaro Yoshida and renowned Australian street artist Mulga, aka Joel Moore, collaborated to convey the vision of Japanaroo. The work reflects the style of both artists’ illustrations and uses distinctive icons from both countries – the kangaroo and Mt Fuji.
A festive showcase at Sydney Town Hall to help send off a year like no other
For one night only Sydney Town Hall will come alive (COVID-19 restrictions pending) in December, featuring a spectacular showcase of Japanese and Australian dance, music, arts performed by today’s most celebrated artists. A line-up of Aussie and Japanese talent including Kamahl, leading didgeridoo performer William Barton, the Sydney Sakura Choir and taiko drummers YuNiOn. More info here.
Virtual events to learn more about Japan
A virtual tour of one of Tokyo’s quirkiest streets in Harajuku; and Osaka’s foodie paradise, Dotonbori Join a live interactive walking tour and explore Harajuku in Tokyo and Dotonbori in Osaka. This is a free tour, and followers can ask in real time questions about Osaka & Tokyo to the knowledgeable local guides.
https://japanaroo.com/program/travel/virtual-walking-tour-in-harajuku-tokyo-dotonbori-osaka/
Event dates: Sunday 22, Wednesday 25 and Saturday 28 August 2021
Price: Free
Learn about sumo traditions with a former sumo wrestler of Japan
This virtual event offers a rare opportunity to interact with real Japanese sumo wrestler. Sumo wrestling is built out of Japanese culture and tradition and your sumo host will share insightful knowledge into the often-mysterious sumo world.
https://japanaroo.com/program/art/h-i-s-x-travel-japan-3/
Event dates: 22 Aug 2021 – 28 Aug 2021
Price $20 per device
Zoom into a Japanese chef’s Tokyo kitchen for a unique cooking lesson
Join chef Mayuko-san live from her small kitchen in the middle of Tokyo, where she will teach you how to prepare and cook unique dishes using the flavours of seafood and mushrooms, two ingredients widely used and loved in both cuisines.
https://japanaroo.com/program/food/mayukos-little-kitchen-x-travel-japan-3/
Event dates: Tuesday, 24 August and Sunday, 29 August 2021
Price $90 per device
SOURCE: Japan National Tourism Organization / Japanaroo
