Japan House Sao Paulo Welcomes 770,000 Visitors in 1st Year

May 17, 2018

Sao Paulo, Brazil- -The cumulative number of visitors to Japan House in Sao Paulo, the first government-run public relations base abroad, totaled 769,502 on May 6, the first anniversary of its launch, attracting five times more visitors than its target.

"I had a more unique experience than I thought I would," said a 19-year-old local student who visited Japan House for the first time on Wednesday.

While welcoming the popularity of the PR hub, Angela Hirata, president of Japan House in the Brazilian city, said it is a big responsibility for her to keep attracting many visitors.

Japan House needs exhibitions that are vibrant and create a surprise for visitors, she said, adding that the facility has to find sponsors.

Yasushi Noguchi, Japanese consul-general in Sao Paulo, said that although the facility currently hosts cultural and science technology exhibitions, Japan wants to deliver its messages in a balanced manner by holding policy seminars.

The Japan House project is led by the Foreign Ministry. The second Japan House was partially opened in Los Angeles in December last year. The third one will open in London in June. Jiji Press