Katsuhiko (centre) with Mami on his right and other VIPs getting ready to cut a cake during the launch. — Photos: LOW LAY PHON/The Star
KL shopping centre marks precinct’s 13th anniversary with lucky cat-themed event
TOKYO Street, a cultural precinct located in Pavilion Kuala Lumpur on Jalan Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, is celebrating its 13th anniversary with a “Maneki Neko Matsuri” themed campaign.
The shopping centre kicked off the celebration with an appreciation ceremony at Tokyo Street, located on the mall’s sixth floor.
Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia Takahashi Katsuhiko and his wife Mami Takahashi attended the event.
Also present were Datuk Mearia Hamzah from Pavilion REIT’s board of directors, Pavilion REIT deputy chief executive officer Patrick Liau and Maybank Group community financial services regional cards marketing head Vichelle Woon.
Pavilion Kuala Lumpur also honoured its valued partners and associates, such as the Japanese Chamber of Trade and Industry and Japan National Tourism Organisation, as well as the local Japanese community for their continuous support.
The festive campaign, until Aug 13, is giving shoppers an opportunity to experience the Japanese culture.
Also known as “lucky cat” or “fortune cat”, Maneki Neko is a popular Japanese figurine believed to bring good luck, prosperity and fortune.
The campaign features Tokyo Street being adorned with colourful Maneki Neko printed lanterns, floor stickers, flags and figurines.
Visitors can take selfies with a six-foot-tall Maneki Neko statue, along with a variety of mini lucky cat designs.
There is also an art exhibition showcasing various forms of the lucky cat by Malaysian artist Chun Yu, besides pop-up booths.
The celebration themed around the Maneki Neko.
The stores in Tokyo Street include Koun Na Neko, Haru To Natsu, Bubu Kobo and Matcha Hero Kyoto.
Koun Na Neko sells a variety of trinkets, charms and products based on the Maneki Neko design.
These handcrafted lucky cats are perfect for housewarming gifts or home decor.
The Haru To Natsu store specialises in Japanese home decor, including home fragrance, aromatherapy candles and scented diffusers.
“We offer a range of home fragrance including essential oils with ceramic burners or humidifiers, reed diffusers and flower potpourri with 10 distinct scents to choose from,” said Haru To Natsu founder Wong Hui Ling.
“The fragrance typically lasts one to three months, depending on the room temperature and size.
“Our Honey Jujube Flower Potpourri is a top seller,” said Wong.
Bubu Kobo introduces the Japanese Mont Blanc dessert to Malaysia in three flavours – kuri (Japanese chestnut), matcha and chocolate.
It combines a base of sponge cake or meringue, topped with layers of crisps, flakes and puree of your choice.
Matcha Hero Kyoto is for matcha lovers as it offers Japanese ice-cream and drinks made from green tea.
Its founder, Masahiro Onishi, shared the technique of making matcha with the media.
“When whisking matcha, it is best to use a bamboo whisk. Use the strength of your wrist to whisk instead of your whole hand, as it helps give a smoother texture.
“Most of the green tea you drink at Japanese restaurants is from sencha tea leaves.
“Matcha is powdered green tea. At our store, we only grind the soft parts of tea leaves,” he said.
Shoppers who spend a minimum of RM130 in a single receipt at Tokyo Street stores can spin for a special gift.
Those spending RM200 at Tokyo Street or RM300 at all speciality stores get a Maneki Neko coaster.
Additionally, spending RM130 in a single receipt at Tokyo Street qualifies customers for the “Spend and Win” draw by uploading their receipt to the Pavilion Kuala Lumpur app or visiting Tokyo Street’s concierge.
