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/* Live Entertainment */
Although a Japan pavilion had always been planned for World Showcase, the pavilion went through many changes before its creation. As early as 1977, Imagineers had planned an omnimover attraction for the Japan pavilion <ref> http://progresscityusa.com/2012/06/16/a-secret-showcase/ </ref>. At this time, Disney still planned on having each World Showcase pavilion inside an identical semi-circular building. Inside however, guests would have boarded their ride vehicles and taken guests on a tour of a wide variety of Japan's landscapes and landmarks.
Once it was decided that each World Showcase pavilion would have architecture and theming unique to the individual country, Imagineering initially chose building designs for the Japan pavilion were based on the traditional Pagoda, which had actually originated in China. Once this error was recognized, the whole pavilion had to be re-imagined <ref name= "Martin"> http://www.martinsvids.net/?p=90 </ref>. The final version of the Japan pavilion was inspired by various structures from all of Japan's different regions. Imagineers and consultants from Mitsukoshi designed the pavilion to give guests a representative sampling of a variety of traditional structures, which would also serve practical needs. For example, the pavilion's Torii torii was modeled after one found near Hiroshima Bay. The Goju No To pagoda on the other hand was based on a similar structure in Nara.
The Japan pavilion eventually opened with the rest of [[EPCOT Center]] on October 1, 1982. At this time, the pavilion included three restaurants (Temoura Kiki, Matsu No Ma lounge, and the Teppanyaki Dining Room), the Mitshukishi department store, and the Bijutsu-kan (a museum). The icon of the Japan pavilion is the Goju No To five-story pagoda, a building that is most associated with Buddhism. The five tiers of the pagoda each represent an element which Buddhists believe the universe was created from. Guests can often see live entertainment near the pagoda.
On October 20, 2015 a new exhibit titled "Kawaii - Japan's Cute Culture" opened in the Japan pavilion. This gallery features various pieces that give guests a taste of Japan's Kawaii culture. <ref> http://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/japan/news/20oct2015-photos---epcots-japan-pavilion-gallery-updated-with-new-kawaii---japan's-cute-culture-exhibit.htm </ref>
On July 5, 2019, [[Takumi-Tei]] opened in the Japan pavilion <Ref> https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2019/05/takumi-tei-restaurant-to-open-summer-2019-at-epcot/ </ref>. This new table service restaurant is operated by Mitsukoshi USA, and was designed to give the Japan pavilion a signature dining experience.
==Current Layout==
There are two main buildings in the Japan pavilion; the first is large imposing building modeled after the Gosho Imperial Palace in Kyoto. Known as the Hall Of Ceremonies, this building holds the Mitshukishi department store on the first story, as well as [[Tokyo Dining ]] and [[Teppan Edo ]] on the second. The back of the pavilion is themed to look like a fortress, and it which was modeled after the Himeju Castle. The fortress is surrounded by a moat. Currently the fortress houses a Kidcot station, a museum , and a portion of the Mitsukoshi department store. The Japan pavilion also holds a garden which is centered around a koi pond. Perhaps the two most recognizable structures are the pavilion are the Goju No To pagoda and the torii gate located on the pavilion's shore.
==Attractions==
[[Image:drummers.jpg|400px|thumb|Matsuziza performing. Photo by Curtis Palmer]]
==Exhibits==
'''[[Teppan Edo]]'''- Located next to Tokyo Dining, Teppan Edo features chefs who prepare stir fry in front of guests.
'''[[Takumi-Tei]]'''- The Japan pavilion's signiture restaurant, Takumi-Tei offers guests both a la carte options, as well as a a multicourse tasting menu.
==Live Entertainment==
===Former Entertainment===
'''Miyuki'''- Based near the Mitshukishi Department Store, Miyuki turned heated rice dough into different animals. Miyuki’s final performance at Epcot came in November of 2013.
'''Matsuziza'''- This group of Japanese taiko drummers performed five days a week at the base of the pavilion's pagoda. Matsuzika's final performance was on March 15, 2020.
==Fun Facts and Trivia==
