Riding the Black Ship: Japan and Tokyo Disneyland

Research output: Book/ReportBookpeer-review

Abstract

On April 10, 1996, the main exhibition hall of Makuhari Messe-East Asia's largest convention and exhibition complex-was packed with sarariiman (salarymen), housewives, and "office ladies," all anxious to view the latest tourist attractions. Golden Week-a national vacation (April 28-May 6) for company employees-was imminent, and it was time to decide where to go. Around 150 exhibitors awaited visitors to this T abi (Travel) Fair sponsored by the Japan National Tourist Organization. Prefectural tourist associations, acclaimed hotels (like the Okura hotel chain), and ryokan Qapanese traditional inns) catered to the enthusiasm of tourists for the upcoming Golden Week. One booth, however, stood out. Equipped with a life~size traffic light and a children'ssize convertible, painted in pastel colors and staffed with guides in checkered suits to match, Booth F~212 boasted a big English sign proclaiming: "T oon Town is open!" Tokyo Disneyland's booth proudly presented its "new land" amid the traditional "lands" of Kyoto and Osaka prefectures and the islands ofHokkaido and Kyushii.

Original languageEnglish
PublisherBrill
Number of pages240
ISBN (Electronic)9781684173167
ISBN (Print)9780674768949
DOIs
StatePublished - May 1999

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Economics, Econometrics and Finance
  • General Business, Management and Accounting
  • General Arts and Humanities
  • General Social Sciences

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Riding the Black Ship: Japan and Tokyo Disneyland'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this