From Tokyo (for the first time?) I went to Praznik, the Russian event

Hi there, it's Minami.

In February 2020, the first of its kind in Tokyo? There was a major event in Russia.

Russia, the former Soviet Union...you're interested, but you're not sure about the language or the financial situation...this is the kind of event that will give you a boost.

If you want to go to Russia, as a Japanese you need to go to the embassy and apply for a visa, even if you are a tourist.

Otherwise, you have no choice but to ask a travel agency.

I'm here to report on the event where you can get a taste of Russian culture, which is quite rare.

Held in Minato Ward in Tokyo

Praznik was held on Saturday and Sunday, February 23 and 24, 2020, at Shiba Park near Roppongi in Tokyo.

When I think of Shiba Park, my image of it is that it's near the embassy where various international events are held.

The word "Praznik" means "festival day" in Russian. I don't know any Russian at all. I'm sure you've heard the name "Sputnik" before, and the name of the festival was chosen after the familiar "nik" sound.

There were a variety of offerings. Sale of Russian and Soviet Union related goods, food and drink, book sales...

And there was also a space where you could learn about the Russian language and culture. ↑

It's gel-like and interesting!

And that only Russian voice actor? Luxurious Russia-related guests continue to arrive!

Russian lovers can't resist! The guest appearances by people who are active in Japan in Russia-related fields were very gorgeous.

First of all, Shumu Yamamoto. I'm ashamed to say that I didn't know him, but I was able to participate in the festival without knowing him. He also did the Dead Sea, but he was a bit reluctant.

And then there's the voice actress, Jena. Saya Scarlet, who is famous for her Hatsune Miku cosplay, also made an emergency appearance! (I didn't get to see it...) (Too sad.)

Personally, I was thrilled to see Ashiya!

Unfortunately, I couldn't make it to the talk show, but I'm glad I was able to see it.

I had always seen her on Instagram and youtube, so I felt like she really existed...she was radiant and amazing....

In addition, the actual event

There were not only famous people in Russia in Japan, but also other performances.

There were a lot of dance shows such as "Slavvyanje", which performed Slavic dances, "Gulistan", which performed Central Asian hu-huang dances, and "Chaika", a children's ballet studio.

There were many people who appeared for music-related purposes. When I went there, The Eleven Vectors were singing, and I was surprised to have a chance to hear their Russian recital in Japan! I felt like I was getting something out of it.

Others were from the Klaas Nui Philharmonic Orchestra Оркестр "Красный", or Андрей Чекаев/Andrei Chekaev and Li Jiawei/Lee Jiawei.

There were also a few comedians.

Hey! The comedian who is doing the painless breathing method "Sistema".Minamikawa-san!

It actually looked really painful, but I don't know if it's true or not (rather, watching it makes me mentally painful).

More people could have come...

At this event, there weren't as many people wearing it as I thought there would be, even though the weather was honestly nice.

Shiba Park is often used for international exchange events after Yoyogi Park, so it is quite shocking.

It was announced on Twitter, and I think it was talked about on the internet, but to be honest, it was unexpected.

I guess it was because it was cold even though it was sunny.

It will be February 2020, which is when the coronavirus begins to spread in Japan. Maybe there were people who didn't get out much because of this too.

Is Russia still an intimidating or distant country for the Japanese people?

I love Russian food and culture, and I have a close relationship with Japan, so I can only hope that events like this will become more and more popular in the future.

No, I mean, is this kind of calmness also Russian?

Are you a college student running an event?

This event was organized by the Japan-Russia Student Exchange Association.

Some of my friends were also on the executive committee. Thank you for your hard work.

I would like to work harder on my Russian and become a person who can contribute to many people with my Russian.

How was the article?

Last year, there was also a Russian festival at Yoyogi Park, and I went there once.

It was much smaller in terms of audience and scale.

I'd be happy if it becomes a bigger and bigger event in the future and more people take an interest in Russia.

There is also their officialtwitter, so for those of you who are curious, be sure to gather information for next year and beyond!

Official Site:

ロシア・ユーラシア文化祭『プラーズニク』

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