From August 16-18, “Spirit of Japan”, a unique convention which focuses upon Japanese pop culture and food, came to Miami for the first time! Consul General Kazuhiro Nakai had the pleasure to make opening remarks and was invited to conduct “Kagami Biraki”, a ritual of breaking open a new sake barrel with wooden mallets to start the event and pray for well-being and happiness, along with the convention’s organizer, Mr. Yusuke Motozawa, Goodwill Ambassador of Japanese Cuisine, Mr. Alvaro Perez Miranda, representing the mayor of Miami Dade County, Mr. James Kohnstamm, and a chairman of Miami Hoshuko, Mr. Takeshi Yamaguchi.
In his opening remarks, Consul General Nakai welcomed “Spirit of Japan” to Miami, where both Japanese pop culture and cuisine are getting more popular than ever. He was pleased that manga, anime, and other pop culture could be an important gateway to learn more on Japan’s traditions, history, and rich culinary culture. Enumerating the depiction of Japanese food in manga and anime works, such as ramen in “Naruto”, “takoyaki”, octopus dumpling ball, in “Magical Naruruto Kun”, “onigiri”, rice ball, in “Pokemon”, Consul General Nakai encouraged the attendees to try such foods, which were available in the food court area. He was particularly pleased that “Gindako”, a very popular “takoyaki” shop in Japan, took part in event, and served very fine “takoyaki” to participants.
In the event, Miami fans of Japan’s anime were very excited to see renowned voice actors, such as Ryo Horikawa, voice of Vegeta in “Dragon Ball”, Hiroaki Hirata, voice of Sanji in “One Piece”, and Yuki Kaji who voices Eren Jeagar in “Attack on Titan”! The attendees enjoyed numerous booths of pop culture items, Japanese arcade games, a Japanese car display including “ita-sha”, cars decorated and painted with anime/manga characters, as well as dynamic performances by “Fushu Daiko”, local taiko drumming troupe, “Fruits Zipper”, a Japanese female idol group, and “Burnout Syndrome”, a rock band group who has sung for “Haikyu”, and Naoto Inti Raymi, a Japanese renowned pop singer. Consul General Nakai was pleased with the impressive quality and variety of performances.
Pop culture proved to be an important gateway to introduce Japanese traditional culture during the event as many guests were excited to also partake in activities offered at the cultural section, which exhibited a tea ceremony, ikebana (flower arrangements), calligraphy, origami, and a manga art class. Our office hosted a booth, representing the JET Program and Yamaguchi Prefecture, which is listed as New York Times 2024 top travel destinations.
Consul General Nakai was very happy that the “Spirit of Japan” was successful, and that attendees could enjoy in the diverse experiences of Japan’s unique and rich culture, and hopes they are inspired to explore it more.
