(VO) Cool and Kawaii Japan 2014 kicks off aiming to boost Lao and Japanese exchange culture to higher level. INTRO: Japanese cultural event so called Cool and Kawaii Japan 2014 was held at the parking area of the National Cultural Hall to expand mutual understanding and widen acceptance of Japanese popular culture in the form of animations and J-POP. STORY: Cool and Kawaii Japan 2014 will kick off on Saturday at the National Culture Hall in Vientiane to provide entertainment for music lovers and promote cultural exchange between Laos, Japan and various Asean countries. The event is supported by the Embassy of Japan in collaboration with the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism and supported by JCB. It aims to provide a stage for young Lao people and artists from other countries in the region to showcase their singing talents, promote friendship and cooperation and offer opportunities for cultural exchange. Interview: FUTAMOTO Yuko, Head of Culture, Education and PR Division According to FUTAMOTO Yuko, Head of Culture, Education and PR Division, Japanese pop-culture emerged in the 1990s which took its root from the Western pop and rock music in the 60s. J-POP has been able to distinguish itself from foreign musical genre by teasing out its distinct Japanese identity. Such culture has then been widely recognized and influential throughout neighboring regions. Interview: Itsuki Akira, a Japanese singer This is my first time in Laos with the first impression that Laos and Japan have good relations. Upon arrival to the city, I have not seen any convenient stores and some other shops which are somewhat different from Japan. On the other hand, the feeling of comfort and simplicity encourage me to perform in the peaceful country. I am so happy being invited to participate in this event and hoping that I will have an opportunity to take part in this similar activity in the future. The event starts at 4pm and provides various entertainment activities such as the Japan Cover Dance competition featuring the eight finals teams, who will battle it out step by step on the stage with the winners set to go on a study tour to Japan. Activities of the event also include J-POP dance cover contest. Out of eight contestants, the first prize of a ticket to Japan and additional three million kip was given to Angel 69 who also won the prize for outstanding representation of Japanese character. The rest are X-junior who came as a second place following Teetitan who was also given the popular award. Beside the mentioned award winning teams, there were Hana, SIBS, Sozo Suru, INT and NDC participated in the contest. youtu.be/oA7dyQtj-Z8
Posted on: Thu, 30 Oct 2014 16:52:25 +0000
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