China's 'Little Kyoto' still struggles after toning down Japan theme

Aug 22, 2022 | News On Japan

New multicultural complex slow to take off despite Dalian's tourism boom

Aug 22, 2022 (Nikkei) - One year after opening, the sprawling commercial complex in Dalian initially dubbed "Little Kyoto" is struggling to find its niche even after significantly playing down its Japanese theme.

Much of the complex, operated by local developer Dalian Shuyuan Group, was empty during a recent visit.

"There isn't much to see here. All I've done is buy ice cream," said a 29-year-old tourist visiting from Shandong province.

A Japanese restaurateur who operates a ramen shop in the complex added, "We've seen less traffic than was projected."

Dalian is currently experiencing a boom in tourism as the coronavirus recedes in the city, and multiple hotels report a surge in traffic. But the complex has not benefited from it.

Tang Little Kyoto was originally designed to replicate the streets of Kyoto over an area of about 520,000 sq. meters at a cost of 4.5 billion yuan ($663 million), using roof tiles and doors imported from Japan to add to its authenticity. Initial phase operations, which included shops that served sushi and ramen and sold Japanese products, began in August 2021.

But backlash began soon after the opening. Online critics called the complex a "cultural invasion," drawing parallels to the Japanese occupation of Dalian during World War II. Developer Dalian Shuyuan Group halted commercial operations there in September, renaming it and toning down the Japanese theme before it reopened early this year. ...continue reading

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