There is some good news for people in Manhattan (and its surrounding areas) who have an affinity for Japan, its people, and its culture. Come the 16th of August, there will be a festival of contemporary Japanese culture in midtown Manhattan. Dubbed Japan C, this festival will run till the 1st of November. The specific venue will be the Felissimo Design House – a legend in itself.
So what can you expect from Japan C? Dexigner describes the event as:
Spanning home and fashion accessories to gadgets, food, beauty and pop-culture products, Japan C will be part design exhibition, part bazaar, part trade fair, highlighting over 70 diverse Japanese firms who will be presenting and demonstrating their wares.
Discover the benefits of skin creams made from fermented rice by leading sake makers, or join the Japanese fad for collectible ‘keitai’ cell phone straps.
Featuring robots of every shape, size and color, alongside all manner of zakka knickknacks, everything from kawaii anime characters, fine stationery and contemporary furniture to high-tech rice cookers promising the perfect bowl of rice, Japan C will represent all that Japan is today: Cool, Cute, Clever and Creative.
And how about the purpose of the festival? Aside from the obvious aim of introducing the culture of Japan to the residents of Manhattan, the festival specifically aims to attract buyers, manufacturers, and distributors. You can say that there is a business slant to the festival but the general public is encouraged to attend as well.
If I were anywhere near Manhattan, you bet I’d be there.