Tokyo Street Celebrates 12th Anniversary with ‘Harajuku Kawaii' Celebration

Award-winning cultural precinct Tokyo Street is set to burst with colour and vibrancy as it celebrates its 12th anniversary with an exciting 'Harajuku Kawaii' themed campaign. The event is made even more special as Pavilion Kuala Lumpur celebrates their 15th anniversary, making it a double celebration for all to enjoy!

The celebration promises to showcase the best of kawaii culture, featuring Instagrammable props, enchanting decorations, captivating pop-ups, and myriad engaging activities. Shoppers are invited to indulge in a remarkable fusion of Japanese culture, dining, shopping, anime, cosplay and festival – all at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur.

(Left to Right) His Excellency Mr. Katsuhiko Takahashi, Puan Sri Cindy Lim and Madam Mami Takahashi partaking in a Kagami Biraki sake breaking ceremony to mark Tokyo Street’s 12 anniversary

For the second consecutive year, Pavilion KL is thrilled to collaborate with AniManGaki, one of Malaysia's largest animation, comics, and games conventions, bringing forth an array of exciting events, including highly anticipated competitions, runway shows, and captivating displays. Adding to the excitement, international cosplay sensation KNITE, hailing all the way from Sydney, will be gracing the event and hosting meet-and-greet sessions with fans on 29th July from 5pm to 7pm.

Photo of international cosplay star KNITE

The grand launch of Tokyo Street's 12th anniversary celebration took place yesterday (27th July) at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur. The event was attended by esteemed guests of honour, including His Excellency Mr. Katsuhiko Takahashi, the Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia; Madam Mami Takahashi, wife of the Japanese Ambassador; and Puan Sri Cindy Lim, Executive Chairman of Pavilion Kuala Lumpur. Other guests include Ms Mai Onozawa, Managing Director of Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO); Mr. Daisuke Tanaka, Secretary-General of Japanese Chamber of Trade & Industry, Malaysia; Mr Masashi Shiraishi, President of the Japan Club of Kuala Lumpur; Ms Fumi Matsumoto, Executive Director of the Japan National Tourism Organisation, Kuala Lumpur Office; Mr B Ravintharan, Heads of Cards, Group CFS, Maybank; and International cosplay sensation KNITE.
As part of the celebration, guests were treated to an impressive Yukata Parade featuring more than 60 students from SEGi University ushering guests of honour from the Main Entrance to Tokyo Street. The event showcased an energetic traditional Japanese Wadaiko drum performance, setting the tone for the exciting event ahead. Embracing Japanese tradition, a Kagami Biraki sake breaking ceremony was conducted by the esteemed guests of honour, symbolising good fortune and jubilation. The excitement continued as international cosplay star KNITE engaged in a meet-and-greet with the audience, and took part in the 12th anniversary cake cutting ceremony to mark the momentous 12th anniversary milestone.

IMMERSE IN JAPANESE CULTURE

At Tokyo Street, shoppers will be transported to the streets of Harajuku where they can indulge in Japanese street food, with pop-ups from Frost n Bites, Tokyo Teppan, Kakiyuki, Okonomi, Matcha Hero, and Gindaco & Croissant Taiyaki.

Shoppers can also explore the Harajuku Kawaii Pop-Up Festival, which offers a host of experiential workshops, including a DIY phone case workshop, express bling nail art manicures, fashion booths showcasing Harajuku's iconic style, and various booths and displays featuring figurines, toys, and dolls to awaken the inner collector in everyone.

Pavilion Kuala Lumpur is proud to host the Japan Embassy's ‘Seasons of Japan’ exhibition at Tokyo Street from 5th to 28th August. The exhibition will showcase a variety of Japanese dolls and decorations, including warrior May Dolls (Kabuto); ornamental Hina Dolls that represent the emperor, empress, and their court; a Tanabata Tree for shoppers to hang their wishes; and intricate tea sets.

CAPTURE MEMORIES AND EXCITING REWARDS

To commemorate Tokyo Street's anniversary, shoppers are invited to capture their most Insta-worthy moments using Pavilion KL's 'Harajuku Kawaii' Instagram filter. By sharing their photos with the hashtag #HarajukuKawaii and tagging Pavilion KL, participants stand a chance to win a special prize.

Exclusive rewards await Pavilion Privileges members, who can indulge in kawaii experiences such as a shu uemura Kawaii Beauty Workshop where they can learn the tips and techniques to create a unique makeup look. Workshops will be held from 1st to 3rd August from 2-3pm and 5-6pm.

Experience in-mall redemptions to win kawaii surprise gifts by redeeming tokens at Pavilion KL’s concierge counter with every RM200 spent at Tokyo Street or RM300 spent at specialty stores mall-wide in a single receipt. Additionally, Maybank cardholders can redeem an exclusive Japanese Rice Bowl gift with every RM300 spent at Tokyo Street (maximum two receipts) or RM500 spent in a single receipt at specialty stores.

EMBRACE JAPANESE POP CULTURE

On 29th July, shoppers can immerse themselves in the mesmerising world of Japanese popular culture with AniManGaki, held within Tokyo Street. The event will feature an array of activities, including a cosplay competition, AniManGaki Idol preliminary competition, a Lolita fashion walk and display.

Shoppers can also enjoy invigorating performances at Tokyo Street, such as, a Japanese drum performance on 30th July at 5pm; 3-Pop dance performance by SN19 on 6th August at 3pm and 5pm; as well as a J-pop cover dance performance by Kingsman Dance Crew on 12th August at 7.30pm.

Capture the spirit of Tokyo Street by renting your own kimono or yukata at Kuma Yukata and taking stunning photos at the famed Nakamise area—a row of quaint stores adorned with wooden finishes, inspired by Japan's renowned Nakamise-dori Street. Alternatively, capture the essence of your visit with a snapshot beside the iconic asakusa lanterns, inspired by the Lantern of Kaminarimon (thunder gate) of Senso-ji Temple in Japan.

After exploring the exciting activities and pop-ups at Tokyo Street, shoppers can treat themselves to a delectable Japanese meal at one of the many renowned restaurants within the precinct.

Since opening in 2011, Pavilion KL’s Tokyo Street has been known for blending traditional elements and modern facets of Japan’s dynamic culture and ambience, and was awarded the ‘Gold Award — Tokyo Street Grand Opening, Expansion & Renovation’ at the ICSC Asia Pacific Shopping Centre Awards 2012. The precinct has also played host to several pop culture icons, including PIKOTARO, AKB48 and Doreamon!

For more information on Tokyo Street’s 12 th 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 #TokyoStreetTurns12 #HarajukuKawaii and #PavilionKL.