AEON Hosts MIE Food & Tourism Fair To Foster Ties Between Two Cultures

Bringing the rich Japanese art and cultural experience to Malaysians, AEON CO. (M) BHD launched the inaugural Mie Food & Tourism Fair. Happening between 9 and 14 September 2014, the fair is held simultaneously at AEON Bandar Utama and AEON Mid Valley.

“Mie is one of the oldest prefectures in Japan and it is never short of amazing stories that explains how the great region came about. Famous for supplying the Japanese emperors with fine food in the old times, it is also part of the Kansai region of the main Honshu Island and is now known as a place blessed with the bounties of its mountain and sea”, said Eikei Suzuki, Governor of Mie Prefecture at the event. 

Among the activities at the fair included cooking demonstration using food ingredients from Mie Prefecture by experienced Japanese chefs and food sampling. Various exclusive Mie delicacies such as the Tea incense komachi and Ise Udon were also showcased at the fair.

According to Nur Qamarina Chew, Managing Director of AEON CO. (M) BHD, the fair is the one place where food connoisseur can find ingredients from the region and have a tasteful experience of the city’s finest delicacies. “It’s our way of giving our customers opportunity to explore and experience food and culture from other countries,” she added.

“Mie Prefecture is also the original birthplace for the Japanese traditional martial arts otherwise known as Ninjutsu. To attract shoppers and further educate the public on the art of a ninja, we also organized performance by Ninja at the fair,” said Nagahisa Oyama, Chief Executive Officer of AEON ASEAN while enjoying the ninja performance at the event.

To further excite, AEON is also giving away travel packages to Mie Prefecture, courtesy of Apple Vacation and Convention Sdn Bhd, in a lucky draw contest with a minimum spending of RM50 in a single receipt at the fair. The prizes are travel warrant worth RM12,000, RM8,000 and RM4,000 for the 1^st prize, 2^nd prize and 3^rd prize respectively. 

Mie Prefecture is situated in the center of Honshu, in the eastern part of the Kii-hanto Peninsula. The climate varies from region ranging from snow at the northern area to a slightly warmer climate at the south allowing for growth of various fruits and agriculture. It has two coastlines on the south and east. The southern coastline is often accompanied with rugged seas. The eastern coastline on the other hand contributes to many of Mie’s tourism destination spots.

Mie is famously known for its cultured pearls, various seafood such as oysters and Ise Lobsters which are all available in the Ise-Shima National Park. The natural park takes up to one third of the entire prefecture making it the second largest park area in Japan. Home to the Ninja Museum, Mie is also the original birthplace for the Japanese traditional martial arts otherwise known as Ninjutsu.

Other scenic spots, includes the Uga Valley in Suzuka Quasi-National Park, Doro Valley, and Akame Shiju-hattaki (forty-eight) Falls. The Spanish Theme Park known as the Shima Spain-mura Village (Parque Espana), is also a frequent destination among tourists. Mie is known be a destination of visit for one who appreciates both the modern and the traditional. Aside from the rich historical culture dating back as long as 10,000 years old, Mie also provides outdoor activities such as diving and skiing for the adventurous.

About AEON CO. (M) BHD
AEON CO. (M) BHD. is a leading General Merchandise Stores (GMS) cum supermarket chain in Malaysia, being the country’s leading retailer with 27 AEON outlets and 3 MaxValu supermarkets across the country. In the spirit of the name AEON, which means eternity in Latin, AEON’s goal is to work together endlessly with its customers, suppliers, business partners, shareholders and the community towards creating a future of limitless promises. Incorporated in 1984 in response to the Malaysian Government’s invitation to help modernize the country’s retailing industry, AEON’s chain of stores across peninsular Malaysia strives to satisfy the ever changing needs and desires of consumers. Guided by its “Customer First” philosophy, the company’s acute understanding of their target market needs, aided by optimal product-mix, AEON strives to surpass consumer expectations and enhance their experience every time they shop. Hence the tagline “AEON Enriching Your Lifestyle”. 

AEON strongly supports environmental sustainability. It actively supports various causes, including recycling, energy conservation and tree planting, engaging and encouraging various parties, including staff, customers, NGOs, government agencies and the community at large. 2014 marks a significant milestone for AEON CO. (M) BHD. with 30 years of excellence to boast, by staying relevant and competitive in the dynamic market. In commemorating its 30^th anniversary, the celebration will continue to enrich lives of Malaysians and growing the nation with passion, love and inspiration. For more information, visit www.aeonretail.com.my or
https://www.facebook.com/aeonretail.my