The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture, the Royal Thai Embassy in Tokyo, the Royal Thai Consulate-General, Osaka, and the Royal Thai Consulate-General, Fukuoka, organised a Thai Cultural Roadshow in Japan during 17 – 26 August 2019. The cultural troupe was led by Mrs. Ruyaporn Sukontasap, Deputy Director-General, Department of Information. Details of the events are as follows:

1. On 19 August 2019, the Royal Thai Embassy in Tokyo organised the “Thai Textiles: A Touch of Thai” event at Tokyo National Museum. H.E. Mr. Itthiphol Kunplome, Minister of Culture, and H.E. Mr. Bansarn Bunnag, Ambassador of Thailand to Japan, presided over the event and delivered opening remarks. Over 200 invitees such as diplomatic corps, Team Thailand representatives, Japanese business sector including Princess Takamado and Mrs. Kaori Kono, Spouse of Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan, attended the event.

2. On 22 August 2019, the Royal Thai Consulate-General, Osaka, organised the “Thai Textiles: A Touch of Thai” event at The Garden Oriental Osaka. Mr. Krit Tankanarat, Consul-General, delivered opening remarks with the attendance of Mr. Jota Yamamoto, Representative of the Government of Japan and Ambassador in charge of Kansai, Mr. Hironori Harimoto, Representative of the Governor of Osaka and Senior Executive Director of International Relations, Osaka Prefectural Government, diplomatic corps, Japanese business sector as well as Team Thailand representatives.

3. On 25 August 2019, the Royal Thai Consulate-General, Fukuoka, organised the “Thai Textiles: A Touch of Thai” event at Hotel Okura Fukuoka. Mr. Attakarn Wongchanamas, Consul-General, delivered opening remarks at the event. Attendees included Mr. Masashi Haranaka, Vice Chairman, Fukuoka Prefectural Assembly, Mr. Toshihiko Aoyagi, President of Kyushu Railway Company, Mr. Masato Moriya, President of Fukuoka-Thailand Prefectural Assembly Association, Mr. Sadao Terashima, Chairman, Hakataori Textiles Industrial Association, Mrs. Ruchikan Thunchai, Director of Phrae Provincial Cultural Office, Ministry of Culture, diplomatic corps, Japanese business sector, and Team Thailand representatives.

Activities during the Roadshow consisted of a reception, contemporary Thai fashion show designed by Mr. Prapakas Angsusingha, Thai designer and stylist of Hook’s by Prapakas. The fashion show in Tokyo was honoured to have Ms. Yuumi Kato, Miss Japan Universe 2018, for the finale walk. Moreover, the event also featured a display of ‘Thai Textiles: A Touch of Thai’ exhibition through AR (Augmented Reality) techology, demonstration on Thai textiles by incorporating permanent anti-bacteria nano fiber in weaving a new textile, and Thai contemporary music which attracted widespread attention from the audience.

The Roadshow aimed to honour Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother’s efforts in preserving Thai textiles as well as promoting Thai culture in Japan. Moreover, the above-mentioned Roadshow also aimed at creating cooperation on Thai textile in Japan, which is a centre for technological innovation and fashion design.