Latest news with #OsakaKansaiExpo2025
Asahi Shimbun
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Asahi Shimbun
English-speaking ‘ninja' promotes hometown with show of stealth
Dressed in ninja attire, Tsuyoshi Ashihara, left, talks to a customer at the Japan Expo held on the sidelines of the Osaka Kansai Expo 2025 in Osaka's Konohana Ward on April 27. (Sho Tanji) OSAKA--A Japanese man in ninja attire was calling out in perfect English to passers-by at the Japan Expo venue here in late April. Tsuyoshi Ashihara was hawking 'shuriken' throwing stars and 'kunai' knife-like weapon: the hallmarks of ninja stealth. Ashihara, 55, staged the stunt at the event held on the sidelines of the Osaka Kansai Expo 2025 to promote his company, Kansai Saw MFG Co. The blade manufacturer was founded in Miki, Hyogo Prefecture, in 1919. The ninja artefacts were fashioned from production techniques used to manufacture rotary blades for lawn mowers, but in this case purely for ornamental purposes. Ashihara's company participated in the event as a member of a union comprising manufacturers and wholesalers of Miki to promote the city as one of Japan's largest ironware production areas. As a graduate of a U.S. university, Ashihara's language skills are in high demand, especially after the union started taking part in trade fairs outside Japan around 10 years ago. He often serves as a publicist for the city's ironware industry. Officially titled the Japan Expo Paris in Osaka 2025, the event is a celebration of Japanese pop culture that has been held in the French capital since 2000. Ashihara used the event as a foothold to promote Miki ironware in Paris. He called out to customers from France to say he would see them again in Paris next time.
Asahi Shimbun
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Asahi Shimbun
French tapestry of scene from ‘Spirited Away' shown in Nagoya
A tapestry depicting a scene from 'Spirited Away' is on display at the Aichi Prefectural Museum of Art in Nagoya on April 11. (Photo by Yoshinobu Matsunaga © 2001 Hayao Miyazaki/ Studio Ghibli, NDDTM) NAGOYA--A colossal tapestry from France depicting a scene from Hayao Miyazaki's animated masterpiece 'Spirited Away' is on display at a special exhibition that opened on April 11. The exhibition at the Aichi Prefectural Museum of Art in the Higashi-Sakura district of the Nagoya's Higashi Ward will run until Aug. 17. The tapestry, which took nearly two years to complete, was woven by the International Aubusson Tapestry City, a renowned cultural and artistic center in Aubusson, France. Measuring 3.05 meters in height and 7.57 meters in width, the tapestry, shown in Japan for the first time, depicts the iconic scene of 'Spirited Away' protagonist Chihiro confronting enigmatic spirit Kaonashi (No-Face). The exhibition is part of a collaborative project connecting the 20th World Expo 'Ai-Chikyu-haku,' celebrating the 20th anniversary of the 2005 Aichi World Exposition, and Osaka Kansai Expo 2025, which opened on April 13. Aubusson tapestry-making, a craft originating in the Creuse region of central France, boasts a rich history dating back to the 15th century. In 2009, UNESCO recognized the traditional techniques and artistry of Aubusson tapestry as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Since 2019, the International Aubusson Tapestry City has embarked on a project titled 'Hayao Miyazaki's Imagination in Aubusson Tapestry,' which transforms scenes from the director's films into large-scale woven masterpieces. So far, four tapestries have been completed. At the exhibition in Nagoya, visitors can explore documents, preliminary sketches and trial weavings that illuminate the intricate tapestry-making process and offer a rare glimpse into the traditional techniques of Aubusson craftsmanship. Junichi Nishioka, vice president and head of publicity at Studio Ghibli, which produced 'Spirited Away,' shared his admiration for the tapestry. 'I was deeply impressed by the exceptional level of skill and passion,' Nishioka said. 'The tapestry conveys a striking sense of grandeur, radiance and the warmth unique to handwoven art.' Another tapestry, inspired by Miyazaki's 'Princess Mononoke,' will make its Japan debut at the French Pavilion of the Osaka Expo. It depicts protagonist Ashitaka and his loyal red elk, Yakul, standing together in a forest scene. Admission for the exhibition in Nagoya is 500 yen ($3.5) for adults, 300 yen for high school and university students, and free for junior high school students and younger. The museum is closed on Mondays, except for holidays, and from June 9 to July 3 for exhibition changes.
Arab News
06-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia Tours Japan is in Tokyo this weekend
Saudi Arabia Tours Japan is a series of pre-event displays for Osaka Kansai Expo 2025, which will open on April 13 — the Saudi Arabia Pavilion there is expected to be a highlight of the expo. More than 700 live performances and events are planned for the duration of the expo, promising a diverse and exciting journey into the rich culture and history of Saudi Arabia through fashion, dance, music and more. The pavilion features seven interactive rooms that take visitors on an engaging and immersive journey to discover Saudi Arabia's history, transformation, and impact on the world. Leading up to the expo, Saudi Arabia Tours Japan events have been held at seven locations around the country. This weekend it will be in Tokyo. Admission is free, allowing people to experience the culture and history of Saudi Arabia and get an insight into the spectacular Saudi pavilion at the upcoming expo. Visitors can enjoy authentic coffee and tea imported from Saudi Arabia, and sweets made with dates. There will also be a cooking demonstration to show how to prepare kleija, a much-loved dessert in Saudi Arabia. Kleija is a baked confection filled with date syrup. Additionally, there will be live performances using traditional instruments inspired by Saudi Arabia's rich musical heritage. The majlis, a vibrantly decorated replica of a Saudi Arabian reception room, provides a relaxing space to enjoy traditional music. This event highlights the deep cultural ties between Japan and Saudi Arabia and demonstrates that the two cultures are closer than one might think.
