Thousands of local and international tourists visited the 2014 Blok M Little Tokyo Festival. They looked enthusiast with the Japanese and Betawi cultures performed as well as the existence of 150 booths selling various Japanese culinary and culture knick knacks.

This is very good. I’ve came here three times consecutively. We can understand about Japanese culture, and Japanese can understand our culture as well

“This event is the fifth time held. It is held as form of participation from Jakartans as well as Japanese expatriates to advance Blok M area, and also to build international cooperation for entrepreneurs in South Jakarta,” stated the 2014 Blok M Little Tokyo Festival Committee Chairman, Nizarman Aminuddin, Saturday (5/24).

Meanwhile, South Jakarta Mayor, Syamsuddin Noor, who opened the event, said this festival has been determined as Jakarta Provincial Government annual agenda to welcome Jakarta’s anniversary.

“We have set Ennichisai as an annual agenda to welcome Jakarta’s anniversary. This is a good activity because it collaborates Japanese culture and Betawi culture. Hopefully it could get better response from the citizens,” he expressed.

Anna (27), a visitor, hopes this event to be held routinely because the collaboration between national and international cultures can enrich the richness of Indonesian culture.

“This is very good. I’ve came here three times consecutively. We can understand about Japanese culture, and Japanese can understand our culture as well,” she uttered.

Besides culinary exhibition, there are also traditional Japanese performances, such as Mikoshi, Dashi, Eisha, Yosakoi, as well as modern bands and cosplay or costume play. The 2014 Blok M Little Tokyo Festival will be held until today, Sunday (5/25).