Consulate-General of Japan in AucklandThe 15th Annual Japan Day
| Date | Sunday 10 April 2016 |
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| Venue | The Cloud & Shed 10, Queens Whalf, Auckland CBD |
The Consulate General of Japan in Auckland and the Japanese Society of Auckland co-hosted Japan Day 2016 for the 15th year running. At the opening ceremony there was a video message from John Key and speeches from Consul-General Yokoyama, Minister for Ethnic Communities Hon Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga, Auckland Mayor Len Brown, MP Melissa Lee, MP Phil Goff, and Chairman of the Japanese Society of Auckland Naoe Hashimoto.
There was a wide range of Japanese cultural activities including displays of Bonsai, Ikebana, Hina Dolls, and pottery, demonstrations of tea ceremony, calligraphy and kimono-wearing, Sake tasting, sports exchange of rugby and baseball, business exchange as well as performances of Japanese classical dance, Taiko drumming, Aikido, Iaido, Yosakoi dance, animation, cosplay show and Rakugo storytelling. In addition, the Consulate General of Japan invited renowned professional Tsugaru Shamisen player Mr Hiroshi Yamaguchi over from Japan for a performance.
Despite rainy weather, 45000 people came to the event making it the largest Japanese cultural event in Auckland.
It was a great opportunity for all who attended to deepen their understanding of Japan and experience various kinds of Japanese culture.
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