Genuine Japanese culture can be experienced in Helsinki from October 21st
Celebrating its 40thanniversary this year, Japan Week is an international event that takes place each year in a different country, bringing around 500 performers at a time to the host city. Helsinki is the first city in the Nordic region to host the event.
Japan Week offers numerous different perspectives on Japanese culture. The events and programme numbers by around 60 performing groups include dance, music, handicrafts, ikebana, origami, samurai performances, taiko drumming, kimonos, koto music and much more. The opening event will take place at the Kamppi centre on 21 October. Other venues include Annantalo, Wanha Satama and the Savoy Theatre. All of the events and programme numbers during Japan Week are free of charge.
“This really is a unique opportunity to experience genuine Japanese culture up close. Visitors and residents will have the chance to see Tetsuro Shimaguchi, a star of the Quentin Tarantino movie “Kill Bill”, perform with The Samurai Sword Artists KAMUI at the Savoy Theatre, as well as take part in traditional tea ceremonies at Annantalo,” says Marianne Saukkonen, Event Producer at Visit Helsinki.
Cultural exchanges are an integral part of the Japan Week programme. The performing groups will visit schools and service centres for the elderly and offer the chance to learn more about Japanese art forms through workshops and lectures.
“Here in Helsinki the groups will visit 14 schools, two service centres for the elderly and 10 other locations, where they will present art forms such as calligraphy, origami and Japanese music,” Saukkonen adds.
The entire programme for Japan Week and information about reserving tickets and signing up for events can be found online at www.visithelsinki.fi/japanweek.
The event is organised by the International Friendship Foundation together with the City of Helsinki and Visit Helsinki.
Further information:
Marianne Saukkonen, Event Producer
Visit Helsinki/Helsinki Marketing Ltd
tel. +358/931025705
marianne.saukkonen@hel.fi
www.visithelsinki.fi/japanweek
#JWHelsinki
www.visithelsinki.fi.