Japan Week kicks off in Helsinki on 21 October
The entire spectrum of Japanese culture can be experienced in Helsinki during Japan Week from 21 to 26 October. All events are free of charge, and highlights include a samurai performance by a star of the Quentin Tarantino movie “Kill Bill”. Japan Week will also bring together Japanese and Finnish artists to perform on the same stage.
The opening event will take place at the Kamppi centre on 21 October. 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 and koto music. Other venues include Annantalo, Wanha Satama and the Savoy Theatre. All of the events and programme numbers during Japan Week are free of charge.
“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
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. A cultural exchange will also take place on the stage at the Savoy Theatre, where Finnish and Japanese artists will come together.
“Koto artist Atsushi Masuda will perform at the Savoy together with Finnish jazz pianist Kari Ikonen on 21 October and Aki Rissanen on 23 October, while the Aichi Shukutoku University Wind Orchestra will perform together with the Helsinki Symphonic Winds orchestra on 26 October,” Saukkonen
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.
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 and interview requests:
Marianne Saukkonen, Event Producer, Visit Helsinki/Helsinki Marketing Ltd, t. +358 9 310 25705, marianne.saukkonen@hel.fi
www.visithelsinki.fi/japanweek
www.visithelsinki.fi
Visit Helsinki is a marketing name used by Helsinki Marketing Ltd, a city-owned company that is responsible for the city’s marketing operations.
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