Japan Pavilion at Epcot explained

Japan Pavilion
Imagedimensions:250px
Location:Epcot
Section:World Showcase
Status:Open
Opened:October 1, 1982
Coordinates:28.3674°N -81.5505°W
Type:Themed Pavilion
Theme:伝統と革新の共存する調和の国・日本 (Japan: Land of Harmony, Where Tradition and Innovation Coexist)
Custom Label 1:Sponsor
Custom Value 1:Mitsukoshi

The Japan Pavilion is a Japanese-themed pavilion that is part of the World Showcase, within Epcot at Walt Disney World in Bay Lake, Florida, United States. Its location is between The American Adventure and Morocco pavilions.

History

The Japan Pavilion is one of the original World Showcase pavilions and had been in planning since the late 1970s. Many attractions have been proposed for the pavilion and one show building was built, but left unused. Meet the World was one planned attraction and was a clone of the attraction Meet the World that was once at Tokyo Disneyland. However, management thought that the Japanese film's omission of World War II might upset many Veterans, it was dropped. The show was so close to opening that the show building and rotating platform was built, but not used.

Planned attractions

Numerous attractions were planned and purposed. Only one (Meet the World) was constructed.

Layout

The Japan Pavilion is made up of buildings surrounding a courtyard. The entrance to the courtyard features a Japanese Pagoda. A torii gate decorates the water in front of the pavilion. The area is filled with Japanese pools and gardens. At the end of the courtyard is the gate to a Japanese castle, including a moat, which leads into a display of Japanese culture.

Attractions and services

Exhibitions

Attractions

Former attractions

Dining

Former Dining

Shopping

Entertainment

Matsuriza

Matsuriza are traditional Taiko drummers and a Japanese Storytellers located at the base of the pagoda.[6] Taiko performed at Epcot began in 1983 when Kanto Abare Daiko became the first group to perform taiko at Epcot.[7] Eventually, in 1993, they left and were replaced by One World Taiko, consisting of Gary Tsujimoto and Nancy Ozaki, who were eventually joined by Matsuriza, and then replaced entirely by Matsuriza, who are the sole performing group at Epcot to this day.[8] [2]

References

  1. December 15, 2017. Abandoned – Epcot's Never Built Attractions . https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211219/y_V-gIoXr4U . 2021-12-19 . live. December 16, 2017. YouTube video. Bright Sun Films.
  2. Web site: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/entertainment/epcot/matsuriza/ . 2024-05-29 . disneyworld.disney.go.com.
  3. Gary Tsujimoto and Nancy Ozaki, Interview, May 8, 2024
  4. Web site: Teppan Edo Restaurant the disney food blog. www.disneyfoodblog.com. February 24, 2010 . January 24, 2017.
  5. https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/epcot/takumi-tei-restaurant/
  6. Web site: Matsuriza . October 7, 2007 . Walt Disney Company . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20071030225549/http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/entertainment/entertainmentDetail?id=MatsurizaEntertainmentPage . October 30, 2007 .
  7. Patcher . Benjamin . 2009 . Drumming for the Mouse: Kumidaiko and the Exhibition of "Japan" at Walt Disney World. . University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Arts and Sciences . 42–48.
  8. Web site: About . 2024-05-29 . Matsuriza . en.

External links