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Thousands of visitors will be given a taste of Hong Kong during a series of cultural and entertainment activities in Tokyo this week.
The event, entitled "Hong Kong Week at Roppongi Hills", is jointly organised by the Tokyo based Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) and the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) as part of a series of programmes under the 2009 Hong Kong-Japan Tourism Exchange Year.
The variety of activities during Hong Kong Week include seminars, thematic talks, cultural classes such as taichi lessons, food and wine tasting sessions, and musical performances.
An exhibition showing Hong Kong's successful development since 1997 under the "One Country, Two Systems" arrangement, its business advantages and its liberal policies for admitting foreigners for work and study is also held at the venue.
Speaking today (July 4) in Japanese at the official ceremony at a popular outdoor venue in Roppongi Hills, the Principal Hong Kong Economic and Trade Representative, Mrs Jennie Chok, told the audience that Hong Kong is a place where Eastern and Western cultures blend to produce its own special charm.
Also highlighting that the 5th East Asian Games will be held in Hong Kong this year, she invited the Japanese community to visit Hong Kong in December to cheer for their favourite sports teams and athletes.
As guest of honour at the event, HKTB Chairman Mr James Tien said he hoped that Hong Kong Week in Roppongi Hills will whet the Japanese community's appetite for the attractions offered during the Hong Kong Summer Spectacular programme and the two weeks' Wine and Dine Celebrations starting at the end of October which will bring together some of the world's finest cuisines and wines, as well as spectacular entertainment, in one mouth-watering extravaganza.
The ceremony today was attended by over 200 invited guests from Japan's travel trade, and witnessed by crowds of Japanese citizens and passers-by drawn to the venue by the live performance of the Hong Kong Police bagpipers.
Also officiating at the ceremony were the Commissioner of the Japan Tourism Agency, Mr Yoshiaki Hompo; the Executive Director of the HKTB, Mr Anthony Lau; and the Regional Director (North Asia) of the HKTB, Mr Kunio Kano.
Ends/Saturday, July 4, 2009
Issued at HKT 13:36
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