Thai culture festival redux

Somewhere in the neighbourhood of a combined 300,000 people visited the eleventh annual Thai Festival when it was held in Yoyogi Park on May 15 and 16. Not surprisingly, the food booths were the main draw. Now there is some good news for those who were interested in sinking their teeth into some Thai grub, but could not make it to Yoyogi last month.

The first annual Thai Culture Festival 2010 will be held in Ueno Park’s fountain plaza on June 12 and 13. The international Thai dance cultural exchange committee, International Thai Dance Academy, is sponsoring this brand-spanking-new event built around a theme of having fun while actively participating and learning. Of course there will be Thai food to satisfy hungry tummies and Thai products that make great gifts, but the theme is experiencing Thai culture. To be more precise, the theme is the exchange of Thai and Japanese cultures, so there will be Japanese culture on hand as well. Here’s a breakdown of the offerings you’ll find this weekend in Ueno.

Get some Thai in your life

Thailand is home to around 40 distinct ethnic groups, which makes for an incredibly vibrant culture with a range of traditional clothing, arts and crafts. At the festivals, get your picture taken decked out in the traditional garb of Thailand’s various ethnic groups, or catch a lecture on topics such as the intricate decorative carving of fruit and vegetables, making bowls from banana leaves and Thailand’s answer to ikebana. If all the activity finds you starting to feel a little sapped, treat yourself to a Thai massage.

Shopping, Thai style

Thai artisans from every corner of the country will be on hand to showcase – and sell – their handmade wares. Items to check out include shadow puppets fashioned from leather, Thai embroidery, silver crafts and pottery, to name just a few. You will even be able to get your hands on the same style of woven cane handbag that the Thai royal family sports.

Thailand – Japan Cultural Exchange Stage

Head over to the Cultural Exchange Stage to experience the important exchange between Japan and Thailand played out through performing arts and more. A fashion show featuring kimonos and the traditional styles of Thailand’s various tribes, Thai classical music performance, a Japanese koto performance and a Thai classical dance performance are all slated to be held.

Thai Food

Here is your chance to try authentic kai yaang (Thai style yakitori), green curry, duck soup, and Pad Thai. After a day of shopping, workshopping and checking out the stage whetting your appetite, dig right in.

Thai Culture Festival 2010
Date: Sat June 12, Sun June 13
Time: 9am-7pm
Location: Ueno Park
Address: Ueno Koen, Ikenohata Sanchome, Taito, Tokyo
Admission: Free
Website: www.thaiculture.info/