Photo Credit: PRNewswire
HONG KONG, July 13, 2024: Today marks the opening of the “100% DORAEMON & FRIENDS” exhibition at Tsim Sha Tsui’s K11 art and cultural district, attracting an unprecedented number of visitors. The event, centered around the beloved manga character Doraemon from 1969, highlights Hong Kong’s growing reputation as a cultural hub.
The exhibition, hosted at the renowned Avenue of Stars, saw a substantial influx of visitors along the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade. Festivities commenced with a “blue” carpet event, featuring large-scale Doraemon sculptures both indoors and outdoors. According to a spokesperson from K11, attendance exceeded expectations, surpassing regular visitor numbers.
At the heart of the exhibition stood a 12-meter tall inflatable Doraemon, hailed as the world’s tallest of its kind. This impressive attraction underscores Hong Kong’s commitment to hosting major cultural events.
The event is part of Hong Kong’s broader strategy to capitalize on the ‘Mega Events Economy.’ Since 2022, the city has actively positioned itself as a hub for significant cultural gatherings. Officials emphasize the importance of such events in driving tourism and stimulating the local economy. High-profile events like Art Basel Hong Kong illustrate Hong Kong’s expanding influence in the cultural IP landscape.
Government officials highlight that these mega events, leveraging popular culture, aim not only to attract tourists but also to boost local spending across retail and hospitality sectors. Reports indicate significant spending by visitors at the exhibition, highlighting the broader economic benefits associated with cultural attractions.
Adrian Cheng, Founder of K11 and a proponent of cultural exchange, commented on the exhibition’s impact: “This event showcases the substantial economic benefits that cultural IPs can bring to Hong Kong. It demonstrates how the fusion of culture and commerce can invigorate our city’s economy.”
Janet, a visitor from the Philippines, shared her enthusiasm: “When I heard about this exhibition, I knew I had to come to Hong Kong. Seeing your favorite childhood character come to life is amazing. Events like this are rare back home, so I’m prepared to spend HK$15,000 on merchandise and other Doraemon experiences.”
Beyond merchandise sales at the promenade, adjacent businesses like K11 MUSEA are drawing in locals and tourists with Doraemon-themed offerings, such as special set menus. Berfa Chow, COO of LUBUDS F&B Group Ltd., noted the increased customer traffic: “The exhibition has noticeably increased foot traffic in Tsim Sha Tsui, allowing us to attract more customers with our Doraemon menu.”
Hotels are also benefiting from the exhibition, with occupancy rates rising due to the influx of visitors. Casper Tsui from the Federation of Hong Kong Hotel Owners expects prime locations to reach 80-90% occupancy during the event period.
As Hong Kong continues to host large-scale cultural events, it strengthens its position as a leading global destination for cultural exchange. The DORAEMON exhibition is more than just an attraction; it embodies Hong Kong’s strategic vision for economic and cultural growth.
Adrian Cheng concluded: “The ‘100% DORAEMON & FRIENDS’ exhibition is not just a mega event for the city and region; it exemplifies cultural exchange through iconic IPs. By bringing Japanese cultural icons like Doraemon to Hong Kong, we celebrate cultural diversity and enhance tourism, F&B, and retail sectors, fostering both popularity and economic prosperity.”
