March into Spring:
JAPAN RAIL CAFE brings “Ohanami” to the Urban Park!
Tanjong Pagar Centre: Unwind in the heart of the city with Japanese wine, snacks, and music

 

Event Synopsis

 

Event Name: The Sakura Lounge by JAPAN RAIL CAFE
Period: 20-23 March 2019, 11am to 10pm
Venue: Tanjong Pagar Centre, L1 Urban Park

 

SINGAPORE – Springtime in Japan marks the start of ohanami (cherry blossom-viewing) parties, where friends, families, and colleagues gather in parks to sip on alcohol, enjoy seasonal foods, and admire the transient beauty of the Sakura trees. To usher in the arrival of spring, JAPAN RAIL CAFE ─ a travel-themed cafe under railway operator East Japan Railway Company ─ will hold their first ever Sakura-themed event “The Sakura Lounge by JAPAN RAIL CAFE” at Tanjong Pagar Centre’s Urban Park.

 

The Sakura Lounge is a multi-sensory space for visitors to wind down, relax, and bask in the warmth of spring in the central business district of Singapore. Visitors can look forward to various activities that are reminiscent of ohanami parties such as wine-tasting, musical performances, enjoying Japanese street food, and even watching a traditional Sadō tea ceremony. Travellers who are planning to visit Japan during Spring may also visit the Japan Railways Group and Patto! Tohoku booths to get the latest travel information on Sakura viewing.

 

Programme Highlights

 

1. Yamanashi Wine Appreciation Seminars by Sommelier Daisuke Kawai

• 21 March (Thu) 5:30pm to 6pm
• 23 March (Sat) 12:30pm to 1pm

Renowned for being the birthplace of Japanese wine, Yamanashi Prefecture prides itself in brewing wines that pair well with Japanese cuisine. In a joint partnership between JR East and the Yamanashi Prefectural Government Office, there will be free wine sampling sessions held during the event. A selection of red and white Japanese wines, including the seasonal-limited Sakura Ros. Wines from Soryu Winery and Shirayuri Winery, are available for tasting and purchase at the booth. Wine enthusiasts may join the complimentary wine appreciation seminars hosted by Daisuke Kawai, champion of the Asia Best Sommelier Competition by SOPEXA in 2017, to discover the charms of Japanese wine.

 

2. Musical Showcase by Yamaha Music

• 21 March (Thu) 7pm to 8:30pm
• 22 March (Fri) 7pm to 8:30pm

In celebration of Spring’s arrival, local and Japanese musicians will be gracing the stage with instruments like electric violins, keyboards, synthesisers, and Electones to bring live music to The Sakura Lounge. This is the perfect way to unwind after a long day – go on and bask in the captivating performances with a drink or snack in your hand!

 

 3. JW360° Concept Store: A Preview

JW360° (pronounced JW three-sixty) is a brand new Japanese concept store that will make its debut in Changi Airport’s new lifestyle nexus, Jewel, in the 2nd quarter of 2019. Managed by JRE GF FOOD SERVICE PTE. LTD., JW360° is anticipated to offer local and global travellers alike the unique experience of “The Japanese Way of Life” through its food and retail selections. Prior to its official launch in Singapore, the store will be here to offer free sampling of its merchandise – the “Oyatsu Times” series of Japanese snacks – and to give out attractive prizes from their instant lucky draw!

 

4. Park Yoga by BYST Yoga

• 23 March (Sat) 2pm to 3pm

This spring, awaken your senses in this special Park Yoga class hosted by BYST Yoga! Class will be conducted bilingual in Japanese and English, and is suitable for adults and children alike. Pre-registration is required at this link: https://coubic.com/bystyoga/133820

 

5. The Ohanami Stage by Local Artistes

• 20 March (Wed) 7pm to 8:30pm – Joie Tan
• 23 March (Sat) 3pm to 4:30pm – DJ Beansprouts
• 23 March (Sat) 5:30pm to 7pm – Joy Heng

An ohanami party would be incomplete without great music! A line-up of Singaporean artistes will take the stage to present a local spin to a Japanese ohanami party. For the opening act, local singer-songwriter Joie Tan will serenade the crowd with her signature style and sound that uniquely intertwines with her personality. Her vocal-heavy takes on popular songs have met with tremendously positive reception, leading her to release her debut album, “Joie”, in early 2018. On Saturday, DJ Beansprouts will spin a chill and breezy mix of jazz, funk, dance, pop, rock and hip-hop that has defined much of modern Japanese music. After which, singer-songwriter Joy Heng will take the stage to present an intimate session of pop and jazz with her sincere and soothing vocals.

 

6. Grand Lucky Draw

With any purchase within the event, visitors will receive a stamp card to collect stamps as they dine. Upon collecting 2 stamps from different booths, visitors will stand a chance to win one of the three grand prizes: a JR Kyushu, JR Hokkaido, or JR East pass (worth at least $200 each) – which allows the winner unlimited train travel on JR lines within that specific region in Japan!

 

Participating Vendors (in Alphabetical Order)

 

Food & Beverages:

• Hattendo Singapore
• IPPIN CAFE BAR
• Kimukatsu
• Kirin Beer Singapore
• Kagome Singapore
• Mellow
• Rakki Bowl
• Umeshuya Singapore
• Yakiniquest

 

Retail & Promotions:

• JAPAN RAIL CAFE
• JR East
• JR Hokkaido
• JR Kyushu
• JR West
• JW360°
• Patto! Tohoku

 

The programme highlights and list of vendors are accurate as of the date of release but may be subject to change.

 

Through various events promoting Japan and her culture, JAPAN RAIL CAFE aims to contribute to creating mutual, cultural inspirations between Singapore and Japan by establishing its role as a “platform for real Japan, platform for real communication”.

 

Event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/244705136406988/