Japan Impact 2011: get to know Japan!
The third Japan Impact event will take place on the campus of EPFL and will offer to inquiring minds, as well as connoisseurs, a week-end of broadened awareness and discovery of different facets of Japan. We interviewed François Facchin, the communications person for Japan Impact.
Japan Impact offers you the chance, over a weekend, to immerse yourself in Japanese culture, art and way of life, way beyond the ubiquitous sushis and video games. This will be an opportunity to experience, or try your hand at, the following, for example: an Ikebana (floral art) workshop; Manga; a recital on the Shakuhachi (bamboo flute) at a concert by Ryo Fujimura; demonstrations of Japanese dance and “cosplay” (where you’re dressed up as fictional characters); or even a Miss Kawaii competition, which features the election of the cutest girl in the event. There will also be theme rooms (the game of Go, or Omusubi), and stalls with a variety of Japanese articles, including food items. We interviewed François Facchin, responsible for publicising the event.
Japan Impact? Why choose a name for the event which evokes a “collision”?
The initial idea was to distinguish this concept from other – more commercial – conventions, and to have an impact on people with an event based on culture and tradition. What’s more, each staging of the Japan Expo in Paris is called “impact”, so it’s also a reference to one of the more important European events.
Reading the program, one gets the impression that the event is aimed at a young audience, with the rather exotic-sounding names of the musical acts. Aren’t elements like the floral arts and the traditional flute just token additions?
It’s true that Japanese culture is popular with the teenage audience; however, the cornerstone of Japan Impact is culture and tradition. Our objective is to present the diverse aspect of Japanese culture. As you’ll see, the program of Japan Impact features a lot more than floral art or traditional flute-playing! We’ll also have demonstrations of martial arts, shiatsu, tea ceremonies, traditional Japanese dance, a Tokyo Style fashion parade and other features. With the variety of traditional or modern activities on offer, we are aiming to represent Japanese culture in the most authentic way possible.
Is the event suitable for all the family?
We’re looking forward to welcoming families to Japan Impact. There will be activities for people of all ages!
- MORE INFORMATION -
Weekend – 26/27 February
EPFL, building CE
Saturday – 10h to 22h / Sunday 10h to 18h
Adults: CHF 12 per day
Students and under-16s: CHF 10 per day
0 to 7 years: free
More information: www.japan-impact.ch