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 |
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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
徳島県
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.
More Information
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
- * Programme times and content are subject to change. Any changes will be announced on this website and via the ticket booking system.
- * The schedule is subject to change depending on the organiser's circumstances.
徳島県
OTHER PROGRAM
Co-creating Cultures for the Future Week
