-- The Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) and Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau (TCVB) report the success of their "Tokyo City Promotion 2024 in New York City" event, held on October 25-26, 2024. This two-day event highlighted Tokyo’s unique blend of traditional culture and state-of-the-art modernity to industry professionals and the general public in New York City.
Photo courtesy of Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG)
On day one at Chelsea Piers Pier 60, a business-focused day for the travel industry and media (BtoB) was presented. It brought together 20 exhibitors from Japan, including major airlines, hotels, and tourist spots, establishing Tokyo as one of the world's leading travel destinations.
The following day, a cultural showcase event for the general public was held at Vanderbilt Hall in Grand Central Station. The day-long free public event offered everyone in New York City a taste of Tokyo's vibrant culture through various activities and performances. This includes collaborative shows featuring modern Ikebana and Edo Kabuki, performed by Flower Artist KAORUKO and Kabuki Actor Sennosuke Kataoka.
TATE Hatoryu NY performed samurai shows, demonstrating authentic sword-fighting techniques. Organizers also featured a Japanese Songs Karaoke Challenge, allowing attendees to perform popular anime songs and J-pop hits. There was even a series of interactive experiences such as Yukata dressing, Edomoji (fan calligraphy), and a Ukiyo-e Art Gallery.
The BtoB event also highlighted Tokyo's unique position as a city where ancient traditions coexist with futuristic advancements. Attendees experienced the event’s theme, the “Tokyo Tokyo Old meets New” campaign, where traditional arts like Kabuki and flower arrangement are presented alongside modern interpretations.
The event also showcased how traditional attractions, like the Meiji Shrine, the tranquil Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, and the historic Sensō-ji Temple, stand in harmonious contrast to contemporary spots. Among those contemporary areas are the dazzling Tokyo Night & Light projection mapping show at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, the panoramic Shibuya Sky observation deck, and the towering Tokyo Skytree.
Even the “Tokyo Tokyo Old meets New” campaign concept and logo, which feature two "Tokyos,” presents the city’s dual nature. The first "Tokyo" is written in a brushstroke font, representing the city's rich cultural heritage dating back to the Edo period (1603-1868). The second "Tokyo" appears in a modern Gothic typeface, symbolizing the city's contemporary, forward-looking aspects.
This seamless integration of past and present embodies the essence of the “Tokyo Tokyo Old meets New” campaign, showcasing a city where cultural heritage and progress coexist perfectly.
"Our 'Tokyo Tokyo Old meets New' campaign came to life in New York. We wanted to show that Tokyo is not just an ordinary destination but an experience where travelers become part of Japanese history while simultaneously seeing what a modern city is about,” a representative from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government explained.
"Tokyo City Promotion 2024 in New York City” is part of TMG's broader strategy to promote Tokyo globally, with similar campaigns conducted in 13 countries since 2002. This event comes at a time when Tokyo was voted No.1 for the first time in three years in the Condé Nast Traveler U.S. edition readers' poll ranking the world's most attractive large cities. This marks a significant step in strengthening Tokyo's brand identity and attracting more international visitors.
"Events like these play a crucial role in showcasing Tokyo's unique charm to the world," the representative of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government concluded. "We're confident that this promotion will inspire more people to visit Tokyo and experience firsthand the harmonious blend of tradition and innovation that defines our city. We look forward to our next ‘Tokyo Tokyo Old meets New' campaign in 2025."
Contact Info:
Name: Marianne Ignaczak
Email: Send Email
Organization: Tokyo City Promotion 2024 in New York City
Website: https://tokyoculturaldaynyc2024.com/
Release ID: 89150086
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