Japan Expo Special: Japanese pop culture fans in for a treat at Expo

People obsessed with Japanese pop culture must visit the Japan Pavilion at the Shanghai Expo, which has brought together some of the best shows from Japan to woo the great legion of J-pop fans from China and the world.

Although organizers earlier cancelled a long-anticipated concert by the famous Japanese idol group SWAP on June 13 over safety concerns, the Japan International Contents Festival, or CoFesta, which will run at the Expo garden from June 12 to 23 to mark "Japan Day" and "Japan Week", is sure to rekindle fans' enthusiasm for the Japanese pop culture.

CoFesta, which began in 2007, is part of a Japanese government initiative to showcase Japanese pop culture at home and abroad. It not only highlights the country's soft power, but also enhances Japan's cultural exchanges and cooperation with other nations.

This year various events will be held at the Japan Pavilion and the Asia Plaza at the Expo, featuring a series of stage shows with performers including J-pop singers like Juju, Yo Hitoto and Kimaguren, anime song singers Ichiro Mizuki and Yoko Ishida, as well as popular Japanese models.

Exhibitions of Japan's various cultural products will also be held, such as anime series, films, video games and Japanese character goods.

Visitors can also expect to see Doraemon, Japan's beloved cartoon robo-cat, in 3-D for the first time.

(China Daily 06/14/2010 page7)