Irish Network Japan

INJ Press Release

[Tokyo : 12 March 2004]

Saint Patrick's Day Weekend in Tokyo

Come and join the fun at the 13th Tokyo Saint Patrick's day Parade Sunday 14th March!

Time: 2-4 pm on Sunday 14th March
Parade Start: Omotesando Dori Opposite Oriental Bazaar

The Irish flags lining the elegant Omotesando Dori near Harajuku, are for the annual Tokyo Saint Patrick's Day Parade. The parade will take place on Sunday March 14th from 2pm and will be led by the Irish Ambassador and a number of VIP guests. The sub-theme of this year's parade is "Irish literature".

One thousand people participated in the parade last year and about 20,000 people lined the street to watch. Participants this year will include all the colourful music and dance groups from previous years as well as this year's special guests, Ireland's Minister of Education Mr. Noel Dempsey, Head of the EU Commission delegation, Ambassador Zepter, Embassy Representatives from the US and Australia, and Mr. Kuwahara, the Mayor of Shibuya-ku.

This year's line-up will be distinguished by the participation of the following groups:

The Tokyo Pipe Band,
The US Army Band
Senshu University Brass band & Cheer Leaders
Nihon Daigaku Brass band
Daito Bunka University Brass band
Tokyo Baton League
University Alumnae from the main Irish colleges and friends of Ireland.
Japan and the Eastern Japan Irish Dancers Association.

Saint Patrick and other figures from Irish folklore will add colour to the day!

Saturday March 13th - Saint Patrick's Sports Day

Time: 10-17.30 on Saturday 13th March
(Note: the event will be cancelled in the event of rain)
Venue: YCAC: Nearest Station is Yamate on the Negishi Line.

The St. Patrick's Day Sports Day is the event that kicks off St. Patrick's Weekend here in Tokyo.

The event starts with a soccer competition between the hosts, (YCAC), and the two top Irish teams in the Tokyo amateur league. The Irish traditional sports of Hurling and Gaelic Football will be featured throughout the day. "Puc Fada" tests the skills of players of the age-old Irish sport of Hurling and all are encouraged to have a go. Gaelic Football will be played by the Ladies GAA team, Nishiya Junior High School; men's GAA teams form both Tokyo as well as Osaka and again in the main event of the day, the Ned Kelly Cup which is a Compromise Rules game between the Australian "Goannas" and the Japan Irish.

Penalty shoot-out competitions and many other participant events are scheduled throughout the day for all to get involved in. For those who love Irish dance you are invited to take part in a beginners dance class. For the kids there will be musical chairs, Egg & Spoon Races, 3-legged races, Face-painting and a playground among other games to enjoy.

Also on offer: a fine bar and restaurant within the YCAC grounds which is open throughout the day. In the evening, you can relax and mingle while enjoying Irish Music by "Orphan", performing together with Irish dancers.

Come along ...and wear something green!

***

Contact detail:
Please contact Yoko Kawasaki of INJ Press.

About Irish Network Japan (INJ)
Established in 1987. The INJ is a non-profit organization staffed by a group of Irish and Japanese volunteers. Its main goal is to promote Irish culture in Japan and promote cultural exchange between Ireland and Japan through regularly held events. The INJ organizes a number of events through out a year.

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