Over 50 exhibitor booths filled Sydney Town Hall on 14 December 2024
The 4th JAPAN EXPO event in Sydney gathered traditional performances, travel guides, dress contestants, food samplers and cultural enthusiasts all under one roof. From 10am to 4pm on Saturday 14 December 2024, there was non-stop action at Sydney Town Hall!
Click here for my Instagram video of JAPAN EXPO 2024 in Sydney.
Want to discover more events in Sydney? Message me on Instagram or make an appointment for our personal concierge service.
Japan is a popular country for Aussie travellers and many will visit the major cities of Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto. Having travelled to other Japanese cities and appreciated their culture, I was glad that JAPAN EXPO spread the spotlight.
Have you heard of cities like Fukuoka, Ōita, Fukushima, Nagano and Okinawa? Although they may not be recognised commonly, each is the capital city of their prefecture. During JAPAN EXPO, there were representatives of lesser-known prefectures sharing about must-visit places and food to try. I learned a lot from talking to them!
Fun fact: Tonkotsu ramen, one of the most popular styles, originated from Fukuoka. It’s also known as “Hakata” ramen, named after the central business district of Fukuoka. For a detailed guide about restaurants in Kyushu island’s capital city, check-out my article here.
Wherever I looked, there was something happening. Stalls featured kimonos, traditional crafts, Japanese pottery, artisan ceramics and origami crafts. I appreciated being able to meet the creators of these artisan items and learn of the intricacies behind their craft.
There were plenty of photo opportunites. Kids posed with a samurai at one booth and families captured moments with the Maiko and Geisha ladies at the entrance to the hall.
I was particularly fascinated by a performance on the main stage. In a slow and deliberate performance led by Hideo Dekura, a real fish was sliced and prepared. The ritual, called Houchoushiki, was common 1300 years ago as a way of preparing fish for the Japanese Emperor.
Japanese organisations from both private and government sectors were influential in making JAPAN EXPO 2024 happen. The Consulate General of Japan in Sydney supported the event overall, and many stalls were connected to their Prefecture’s local government. I could see the genuine efforts made to showcase “under-the-radar” destinations in Japan.
I was pleasantly surprised to see airlines present. There were stalls representing JAL (Japan Airlines), ANA (All Nippon Airways), and China Airlines. Special flight packages were available exclusively for event attendees! I was particularly excited to meet the folks at the China Airlines stall. Their name is potentially misleading, as the airline is the national carrier of Taiwan (not China). In 2023, I experienced China Airlines’ business class seating and Pokemon jet on my way from Sydney to Busan. My full article is here.
Japanese cuisine is known for its thoughtful preparation and usage of seasonal ingredients. “Washoku” is a word that encapsulates Japanese food and its philosophy! My article here shares more.
At JAPAN EXPO, there were unique tea, sake, soba, miso, rice, and sweets products available to buy. I tried a couple of liqueurs and found the flavour refreshing! Fun fact: did you know that buckwheat soba is a famous dish of Nagano? The city’s many highland areas offer abundant agricultural opportunities to make this addicting Japanese noodle.
Right from the red carpet laid out over the entrance steps leading inside Town Hall, I noted the care and diligence that had been put into the event’s organisation. I liked how the main stage regularly featured shows while the floor buzzed with interactions between exhibitors and attendees.
While I didn’t see everything that happened on the main stage, I enjoyed watching MC Haruka Shinno’s engaging introductions, a Q&A about Fukushima Prefecture, the samurai sword dance performance (“Gin Ken Shibu”), and the “taiko” Japanese drum dance. The energy continued right to the end, when the winners of the International Kimono Contest were decided. The costumes were elaborate and stylish!
JAPAN EXPO 2024 in Sydney Town Hall was a wonderful event and I can happily recommend future editions to anyone who is seriously thinking about visiting Japan. More information about the organiser is available on their website here.
I’m Garry Ho, founder of Koalamate.
If our website has helped you, please consider supporting us.
Payment can be made via all major cards.
We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience.
By continuing to use this site, you agree to our use of cookies.
