Co-creating Cultures for the Future Week
Tokushima Cafe Connections:Steeped in Tradition, Past and Present Interwoven
Tokushima Prefecture
Tokushima Prefecture presents the "Cultural Experience
Café," showcasing "Awa Culture" (the rich
cultural heritage of Tokushima, formerly known as Awa
Province), shaped by the region’s deep traditions. From Awa
Ningyo Joruri (traditional puppet theater) to woodworking
crafts, traditional industries, local cuisine, and unique
regional initiatives, this space highlights the diverse
cultural offerings of Tokushima.
Relax in an atmosphere filled with Tokushima’s charm and
immerse yourself in the comforting essence of Tokushima.
Recorded video available
Exhibition
- Traditional performing art
- Cultural arts
- Food Culture
| Transmission of simultaneous interpretation | Not provided |
|---|---|
| Language of interpretation | Japanese and English |
-
Track Programme
-
Time and
Date of
the event -
-
2025.04.30[Wed]
2025.05.03[Sat]
10:00 ～ 20:00
(Venue Open 10:00)
-
- Venue
- EXPO Exhibition Centre
Programme details
＊*Subtitles: Choose “Subtitles/CC” in the “Settings” (gear
icon) at the bottom right of the YouTube video.
*Subtitles may not show with multiple languages or overlapping
audio.
● Awa Ningyo Joruri, a 400-year-old traditional puppet
theater, and Tokushima’s rural stages, which have the most
preserved examples in Japan. Enjoy exhibitions and live
performances by puppet troupes.
● Tokushima, known as a treasure trove of ingredients that
have supported Kansai’s food culture for centuries. The cafe
menu highlights its role as the "Kitchen of
Kansai."
● A hub for woodworking, Tokushima has long produced mirror
stands, Buddhist altars, and wedding furniture.
● Discover its craftsmanship through exhibits of traditional
and modern wooden products.
● Explore Tokushima’s unique regional initiatives and diverse
attractions.
At "Tokushima Cafe Connections," find new reasons to
visit Tokushima through its culture, traditions, and flavors.
Reports
【Reflection】
Through this event, visitors were able to experience the
culture of Tokushima in a relaxed and welcoming setting. The
café menu featured a wide variety of dishes made with
Tokushima’s signature ingredients, including Awa beef, Awa
Satsuki salmon, Naruto Kintoki sweet potatoes, sudachi citrus,
and wasanbon sugar. Alongside these offerings, regional
specialty products were available for purchase, allowing
guests to discover the diversity of Tokushima’s cuisine and
local goods.
A highlight of the program was the live performance of Awa
Ningyō Jōruri (Awa Puppet Theater), a traditional performing
art with more than 400 years of history. In addition to stage
performances, demonstrations included the crafting of puppet
heads by artisans and displays of “fusuma karakuri,”
mechanical stage devices unique to Tokushima’s rural theaters.
Kotobuki Futari Sanbasō, an auspicious performance
traditionally staged to pray for success and safety, was
chosen to celebrate the opening spirit of Expo 2025. This
attracted overseas pavilion representatives, resulting in
opportunities for cultural exchange, including performances at
the Italy and Thailand Pavilions.
The event also highlighted Tokushima’s commitment to
sustainability. Tableware was provided using reusable dishes
and traditional Otani-yaki pottery, while staff wore aprons
upcycled from carp streamers and old textiles, showcasing
local initiatives in resource recycling and creative
upcycling.
Over four days, the venue welcomed more than 45,000 visitors
who immersed themselves in Tokushima’s food and culture.
Through these experiences, the event successfully conveyed
Tokushima’s unique character—its deep-rooted traditions,
innovative regional initiatives, and the warmth of its
hospitality.
Looking ahead, Tokushima Prefecture will continue to share its
stories and extend invitations to travelers worldwide,
offering ever deeper opportunities to experience the region’s
cuisine, culture, and industries firsthand.
【Post EXPO Initiatives】
Through this event, we witnessed firsthand the effectiveness
of allowing people to connect with Tokushima’s food and
culture through hands-on experiences. Moving forward, we will
continue to share information about the wide range of
experiences available within Tokushima Prefecture, including
opportunities for visitors to engage directly with the people
who support its food, culture, and industries.
Co-creating Cultures for the Future Week
Tokushima Cafe Connections:Steeped in Tradition, Past and Present Interwoven
Tokushima Prefecture presents the "Cultural Experience
Café," showcasing "Awa Culture" (the rich
cultural heritage of Tokushima, formerly known as Awa
Province), shaped by the region’s deep traditions. From Awa
Ningyo Joruri (traditional puppet theater) to woodworking
crafts, traditional industries, local cuisine, and unique
regional initiatives, this space highlights the diverse
cultural offerings of Tokushima.
Relax in an atmosphere filled with Tokushima’s charm and
immerse yourself in the comforting essence of Tokushima.
-
2025.04.30[Wed]
10:00～20:00
(Venue Open 10:00)
- EXPO Exhibition Centre
徳島県
OTHER PROGRAM
Co-creating Cultures for the Future Week
