The event “Yôkoso — Bienvenue au Japon” is taking place at the Belle Étoile shopping center until February 8.
This year, Osaka is hosting the World Expo. To mark this occasion, the Belle Étoile shopping center and the Embassy of Japan are jointly opening the “Yôkoso — Bienvenue au Japon” exhibition on January 29. (Yôkoso means welcome in Japanese.)
Performances
“Yôkoso — Bienvenue au Japon” is more than just an exhibition — it is, above all, a cultural encounter. A special focus is placed on martial arts, with numerous demonstrations of Karate, Aikido, Judo, and even Kyudo, the Japanese martial art derived from archery. Visitors can also admire the traditional Buyo dance. For fans of Japanese knife craftsmanship, a live knife-sharpening demonstration will also be featured.
Workshops
A variety of workshops will be offered, including:
- Calligraphy with Rei Hayashimoto: Learn about the history of Japanese calligraphy, how to use the materials, and how to write your own name. This centuries-old art is open to children and teenagers (ages 6-18) as well.
- Ikebana: Experience the Japanese art of flower arranging with Sanae Kagamida and Yuka Sasaki. Important note: A Kenzan (Japanese flower frog) is required for this workshop.
- And Japan wouldn’t be Japan without Bonsai! From Thursday to Saturday afternoon, a special stand will offer expert advice for Bonsai enthusiasts.
Culinary Specialties
For food lovers, several food trucks will be on-site, offering Takoyaki (photo), Okonomiyaki, Onigiri, Donburi, and other tempting Japanese delicacies. The event will also feature manga, sake, and music to round out the experience!
Both outside and inside, various stalls offer Japanese specialities:
- The Onumaya food truck, run by Dylan and Florent from Strasbourg, serves Donburi with chicken or beef in red curry sauce, starting at €13.
- The Osaka Ball stall, run by Erika from Osaka and based in Amsterdam, offers takoyaki“”the famous “octopus balls”””with a variety of sauces for €12.
- Belgian chef Jean-Claude Copette from Namur has also mastered takoyaki, reinterpreting them with a deliciously lighter twist. His food truck, Takoyaki & More, serves them for €12, alongside Udon with chicken, prawns, or a vegan option (€14) and steamed bao (€10).
- Inside, visitors will find even more Japanese delights, such as onigiri from the Reiseck chain””these rice triangles filled with various ingredients and wrapped in nori seaweed””along with mochi and dango.
- There are also plenty of sweet treats to enjoy, including Taiyaki“”freshly made fish-shaped pastries cooked to order at the Nonbe stall””and Dorayaki, available at the Manzoku stand.
« Yôkoso — Bienvenue au Japon » runs until February 8 at the Belle Étoile shopping center. For more information, visit be.lu.
