Tokyo a la Mode. Web Magazine for Japanese Fashion and Urban Culture

Japan Expo 2007

By Bobby / Dec 03, 2007
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Los Angeles has long been a gateway between Japan and America.  The Japan Expo held on December First and Second, 2007 at the Los Angeles Convention Center is a grand exhibition of Japanese culture, both traditional and ultra-modern, and sometimes a mix of the two.

Visitors to the Japan Expo had a unique chance to see live cultural performances, experience Japanese arts and crafts, buy a wide range of products, and taste Japanese food.  The highlights of the two day event were a live performance by Tsugaru shamisen virtuosos, the Yoshida Brothers and a stage show by puppet master Jusaburo Tsujimura.  Some of the other live events included a ninja action show, a geta dance, a karate exhibition and a dynamic contemporary dance by choreographer Atsushi.

The unique cultural aspect of Japan Expo is that the organizers are able to bring over traditional craftsmen from Japan to display their talents.  This year, one of the amazing crafts on display was a maker of samurai armor.

Another craft to see came from the Fujioka Kumihimo-ten, a maker of kumihimo, the art of Japanese rope braiding originally used for wearing with a kimono.  The Fujioka store, located in Iga, Mie Prefecture, has been making kumihimo for 90 years.  Today, they have updated the art form to create colorful key holders and other gifts.

Kumihimo cell phone straps

Chindon is a traditional Japanese street performance, kind of like a mini marching band.  Dressed in elaborate kimono and hearwear, a Chindon troupe paraded around the convention floor playing lively tunes on saxophones and drums to the delight of the crowd.

One of the more popular arts and crafts booths was the poem calligrapher, Terakichi.  After gazing into your eyes, the young man was inspired to write a personalize poem in Japanese calligraphy.

The timing of the Japan Expo was perfect for finding holiday gifts.  Products ranged from inexpensive keyholders, kimono bags, chinaware and anime-inspired toys to the elaborate and innovative.  One merchant was selling Japanese ukiyoe drawings covered in gold leaf.  One of the more unique goods was a company that made hats and bags, even a jacket, out of cork!  Wargo exhibited some amazing “wa-style” (traditional Japanese themes like cherry blossoms and dragons) sterling silver jewelry.  Another sold tenugui, dyed bandanas used for wrapping or headgear.

tenugui

If clothing is more your style, you could find everything from kimonos to designer jeans to cute t-shirts.

hand painted jeans from Wazamode

Marui One (new site in English!), a department store in Tokyo brought over a large selection of alternative Japanese clothing that attracted girls looking for cute fashion.

Japan Expo volunteer wearing Marui One dress

Algonquins brand

close up of bag

Emily Temple Cute brand

Sexy Dynamite London brand

accessories from Marui One

The food court sold traditional Japanese food like yakisoba and takoyaki, but walking around the large hall, you could find, and taste, other Japanese goodies.  Visitors were able to sample garlic ume tsukemono (pickled vegetables eaten with rice) and Japanese pears.  One company promoted their diet snacks called Soymilk Cookies.  The cookies are made from okara, the leftover pulp when making tofu and came in three flavors: plain, sesame and green tea.  Another business was a local Little Tokyo institution, Fugetsu-do.  At their booth, mochi filled with sweet bean paste was prepared on the spot for people to buy and eat right away.

A trip to the Japan Expo was like a very short visit to Japan.  If you live in Los Angeles, make sure to visit because you never know what you will find!