We had the special opportunity to visit the event held at JR Osaka Station’s Toki no Hiroba in Kita-ku, Osaka!

This event featured a traditional performance by the flag-waving group “Sbandieratori Città de la Cava – Li Quattro Distretti” from Cava de’ Tirreni, Italy, allowing visitors to view the performance up close.

A representative from the Italian government’s cultural department gave a greeting, stating, “This special performance is an official event of the Italy Pavilion at the Osaka-Kansai Expo, so we hope that people who haven’t visited the Italy Pavilion or the Expo yet will come and see it.”

The flag bearers make a dashing appearance.
The flags always flutter beautifully.
When an acrobatic flag move is executed, cheers rise from the audience!
After the performance, the audience applauds enthusiastically.
From here, a performance by a pair of flag bearers begins, showcasing equally acrobatic moves.

A flag-waving experience was held for the general public, with participants ranging from adults to young children, creating a pleasant atmosphere in the venue.

From here, a performance with flags in both hands is showcased.
Four flags spin like a windmill, drawing loud cheers!
Finally, a commemorative photo session was held, allowing participants to hold flags and play drums, making it a highly successful event!

Why not take this opportunity to visit?

Aloha Cafe Pineapple Umeda Chayamachi Store Opening

We visited the newly opened “ALOHA CAFE Pineapple Umeda Chayamachi Store” in Chayamachi, Kita-ku, Osaka!

According to the staff, “ALOHA CAFE Pineapple” is based in Honolulu, Hawaii, and offers a bright, open space that captures the local Hawaiian atmosphere, along with handmade sweets and food. The Umeda Chayamachi store is their first urban-type location.

The first floor features a register for orders, one table for four, and counter seating.

This is the staircase

JR Osaka Station

JR Osaka Station is the main railway hub of Osaka, Japan, which first opened in 1874. It was completely redeveloped into a modern complex called “Osaka Station City” in 2011, featuring extensive shopping, dining, and a striking glass roof that spans the tracks. The station serves as a critical transportation nexus for the Kansai region and a major urban landmark.

Toki no Hiroba

Toki no Hiroba (時の広場), or “Time Plaza,” is a public square located in front of Tokyo Station’s Marunouchi Building. It is a modern space that celebrates the station’s history, featuring a restored replica of the station’s original 1914 clock tower. The plaza serves as a popular meeting point and symbolizes the blend of Tokyo’s historical legacy with its contemporary urban life.

Kita-ku

Kita-ku is one of the 23 special wards of Tokyo, Japan, located in the northern part of the metropolis. Historically an industrial and logistical hub, it is home to significant sites like the Tokyo Dome City entertainment complex and the historic Ōji Shrine, which dates back over a thousand years. The ward has developed from a post-war industrial base into a major residential and commercial area.

Osaka

Osaka is a major port city and commercial hub in Japan, with a history dating back centuries as a vital economic and cultural center. It was the country’s former imperial capital in the 7th century and later flourished as the “nation’s kitchen” during the Edo period due to its crucial rice trade. Today, it is renowned for its modern architecture, vibrant nightlife, and historic landmarks like Osaka Castle.

Cava de’ Tirreni

Cava de’ Tirreni is a historic town in the Campania region of Italy, renowned for its medieval Benedictine abbey, the Badia della Santissima Trinità, founded in the 11th century. The town’s name originates from its extensive network of ancient cellars (“cave”) used for wine and food storage, historically managed by the Tirreni people. Today, it is also known for its picturesque historic center and the traditional “Festa dei Pugnaloni” celebration.

Italy Pavilion

The Italy Pavilion is a national pavilion representing Italy at various World Expos, showcasing the country’s innovation, culture, and design. Its history at these global events dates back to the first Expo in 1851, with each iteration featuring a unique architectural design that reflects contemporary Italian style and technological advancements.

Osaka-Kansai Expo

The Osaka-Kansai Expo, officially known as Expo 2025, is a future world exposition scheduled to be held in Osaka, Japan. It follows the original 1970 Osaka Expo, which was a landmark event showcasing Japan’s post-war technological and economic progress. The upcoming expo aims to address global challenges through innovation under the theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.”

Umeda Chayamachi

Umeda Chayamachi is a modern shopping and entertainment district in Osaka, Japan, developed in the 1980s. It is known for its unique, terraced architecture and houses a variety of shops, cafes, and a major cinema complex, serving as a popular urban hub.