On January 27, 2024, the "Happy New Year in Shikoku" was successfully held at the Kagawa International Exchange Center in Japan. Wonderful theatrical performances, displays of traditional Chinese culture, and tasting experiences of special Spring Festival delicacies sent the citizens of Kagawa County the auspiciousness and blessings of the Chinese New Year. Wei Yumei, Deputy Consul General of the People's Republic of China in Osaka, Toyoto Ikeda, Governor of Kagawa Prefecture, Hideto Onishi, Mayor of Takamatsu City, Tsukumi Tsuku, President of the Japan-China Friendship Association of Takamatsu City, Zhang Jiashu, President of the Overseas Chinese Federation of the Four Countries, Ma Xiaochen, Director of the China Tourism Office in Osaka, and other Chinese and Japanese guests attended the event and delivered speeches, sending Spring Festival greetings to the audience.
From left to right: Wei Yumi, Toyoto Ikeda, Hideto Onishi, Ma Xiaochen
The opening performance of the Kobe Overseas Chinese Lion Dance Team brought the audience into the joyful atmosphere of the Spring Festival. The children of all ages of the Kagawa Prefectural Dance Troupe brought wonderful performances of different styles such as innocent, lively and cute, and energetic, showing the joy and confidence of the Chinese and Japanese children.
In the indoor activity sub-venue, Chinese folk dance, instrumental music, Tai Chi, ink painting performances, Chinese and Japanese song chorus and other wonderful programs were staged in turn. The rich and colorful content not only comforted the homesickness of overseas travelers, but also allowed the Japanese people to immerse themselves in the lively atmosphere of the "Happy New Year".
The event was co-sponsored by the Chinese Tourism Office in Osaka, the Shikoku Federation of Overseas Chinese, the Takamatsu Japan-China Friendship Association, the Kagawa Prefecture Chinese Student Alumni Association, and the Marugame Town Commercial Street Promotion Association in Takamatsu City.
The event attracted nearly 1,000 enthusiastic participants from overseas Chinese and Japanese people of all ages. Many viewers expressed their hope that next year's "Happy New Year" event will be expanded, so that more people in Shikoku can participate in it and experience the joy and happiness of the Chinese New Year.
Source: China Tourism Office in Osaka