Tokyo Street Celebrates 11th Anniversary in Conjunction with 40 Years of The Look East Policy

Look east and celebrate all things Japanese at Tokyo Street, Pavilion KL’s award-winning themed precinct, as it celebrates its 11th anniversary. In conjunction with 40 years of the Look East Policy (LEP), Tokyo Street’s celebrations this year promises plenty of Japanese activities, culture, shopping and dining, right in the heart of Bukit Bintang!

The stunning ‘Art of Kimono’ exhibition is the main highlight of Tokyo Street’s 11th Anniversary. The inaugural ‘Art of Kimono’ exhibition features more than 100 pieces of Japanese kimonos, yukatas and fusion Japanese dresses that blend pop culture and Malaysian batik elements. A selection of these beautiful pieces are showcased in a spectacular ‘Art of Kimono’ fashion show from Tuesday to Sunday at the Centre Court.

Plenty of authentic Japanese shopping awaits at Centre Court! Indulge yourselves at the specially curated Japanese artisanal pop-up stores. Browse through a variety of intricately handcrafted tableware, decorative items, accessories, bags, towels, skincare and beauty products.

This Anniversary, immerse in Japanese cultural activities with experiential workshops, such as Traditional Japanese Fabric Making, Traditional Japanese Fabric Accessory Making, Japanese Lolita Accessory Making, How to use Furoshiki, and Traditional Japanese Game Katanuki experience. Get made up as Lolita, or try on a traditional Japanese Yukata to take photos while admiring the Japanese décor at Centre Court and Tokyo Street.

Tokyo Street’s 11th anniversary celebration was launched today at a festive event with Guest of Honour His Excellency Katsuhiko Takahashi, Japan Ambassador to Malaysia, accompanied by his wife Madam Mami Takahashi, in their first official first official visit to Pavilion KL since their official arrival in Malaysia in December 2021. Also present to launch the festivities were Puan Sri Cindy Lim, Executive Chairman of Kuala Lumpur Pavilion Sdn Bhd; Dato’ Maznah Jalil, Pavilion REIT Board of Director; Ms. Kung Suan Ai, Director of Marketing of Pavilion KL; and Ms. Vichelle Woon, Head of Marketing, Regional Cards, Group Community Financial Services of Maybank.

“As this year marks the 40th anniversary of Malaysia’s ‘Look East Policy’, we look forward to strengthening the bilateral relationship between Malaysia and Japan. Tokyo Street not only houses Japanese retail and F&B brands, we also collaborate with Japanese business partners to showcase Japan’s rich culture, heritage and technology,” said Kung Suan Ai, in a speech delivered on behalf of Puan Sri Cindy Lim.

As part of the celebrations, guests were treated to a traditional Japanese drum performance, as well as a sake barrel-breaking and cake cutting ceremony before being given an exclusive tour of the ‘Art of Kimono’ exhibition and Japanese pop-up stores at Centre Court before proceeding to Tokyo Street.

BE TRANSPORTED TO JAPAN

Since opening in 2011, the award-winning precinct has become renowned for blending traditional elements and modern facets of Japan’s dynamic culture and ambience. From now until August 26, shoppers will also be transported to the streets of Harajuku at Tokyo Street, where they can indulge in Japanese cuisine at pop-up booths selling sushi bentos, Yatai Ramen, green tea and beer from Asahi at Tokyo Street’s Event Atrium on Level 6.

Shoppers can immerse themselves in Japanese popular culture at one of Malaysia’s largest animation, comics and games conventions AniManGaki, held at Tokyo Street until 31 July. Cosplayers, anime lovers, comic enthusiasts, gamers, dancers and general shoppers can also check out AniManGaki’s cosplay,dance competitions and live musical performances on 30 and 31 July. Keep your eyes peeled for popular Malaysian cosplayers Hakken, YingTze and Preston in AniManGaki special meet and greet sessions!

Marvel at the spectacular display of limited-edition anime collectables, cosplay costumes, props and motorcycles featuring exclusive anime wraps. Don’t forget to shop at the AniManGaki Marketplace where shoppers can purchase limited edition figurines, handmade crafts, Ichiban Kuji and Gachapon.

After exploring the exciting activities and pop-ups at Tokyo Street, sit back and enjoy a delectable Japanese meal at one of the precinct’s many restaurants. Don’t forget to check out exclusive promotions and discounts to shoppers who dine-in.

Rent a kimono or yukata at Kuma Yukata to snap photos at Tokyo Street’s famed Nakamise – a long row of quaint stores with wooden finishings, inspired by the famous Nakamise-dori Street in Japan. Or commemorate your trip to Tokyo Street with a snap by the precinct’s iconic Asakusa lanterns inspired by the Lantern of Kaminarimon (thunder gate) of Senso-ji Temple in Japan.

SHOPPER REWARDS

Shoppers who spend over RM200 through a combination of two receipts at Tokyo Street, or one receipt mall-wide, will be eligible to participate in a Lucky Draw contest and stand a chance to win more than RM160,000 worth of prizes from Isuzu, with the grand prize winner driving home a new Isuzu ride!

Those who spend RM80 in a single receipt at Tokyo Street or RM150 at Pavilion KL specialty stores will receive a Happy Gifts filled with Japanese snacks. With RM100 spent at Pavilion KL specialty stores, shoppers can redeem a RM10 Tokyo Street cash voucher. Maybank cardholders who spend RM150 at Tokyo Street or RM300 Pavilion KL specialty stores in a single receipt will be eligible to receive a free Japanese ceramic bowl with chopsticks.

For more information on Tokyo Street’s 11th anniversary events and promotions, shoppers can visit www.pavilion-kl.com or contact Pavilion Kuala Lumpur’s Concierge at 03 2118 8833. Shoppers can also check real-time updates on Pavilion Kuala Lumpur’s Facebook page, Twitter page or Instagram account.

Shoppers are encouraged to snap photos and take videos of the exciting Tokyo Street activities and decorations and hashtag #happyanniversarytokyostreet and #pavilionkl