JapanFest '09
(September 19-20, 2009)
The Consulate General of Japan Booth Featuring PARO, the Therapeutic Robot
With no gasoline shortage to deter visitors, JapanFest saw a significant boost in attendance for 2009. The theme was "Cool Japan," focusing on Japanese pop culture, music, technology, and other aspects of modern-day life in Japan.
The highlight of the Japan Information Center booth was PARO, a robot designed as a replacement for live animals when patients who would normally use animal therapy are unable to due to circumstances such as hospital prohibitions on live animals or allergies.
The Ginza Dori Hall of Vendor Booths