![Hongqi showroom opens in Japan! Of Geishas and RM 500k cameras specially for the event 01]()
In case you missed it, Chinese luxury brand Hongqi announced its determination to brave the competitive Japanese automotive market with the Hongqi H9 flagship. But just selling cars is not enough for them, because they have now opened their first-ever showroom in Osaka in style.
![Hongqi showroom opens in Japan! Of Geishas and RM 500k cameras specially for the event 02]()
Located near the Namba Station in Osaka, the Hongqi (Japan) Flagship Store and Experience Centre opening was attended by several important Chinese officials working in Japan such as the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Osaka.
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Also read: Hongqi H9 finally has a price list in Japan - 6 variants, cheaper than the S-Class!
![Hongqi showroom opens in Japan! Of Geishas and RM 500k cameras specially for the event 01]()
They also invited all the owners who purchased a Hongqi H9 in Japan for a special handover ceremony. Save to say, the owners received delivery of their cars with much fanfare. They even held a ceremony to establish the Hongqi Owners Club Japan.
But what made the opening ceremony of the flagship store especially memorable for the guests was the presence of Kyoto Maikos to perform at the event. Maikos are apprentice Geishas that are training to reach Geisha status.
![Hongqi showroom opens in Japan! Of Geishas and RM 500k cameras specially for the event 02]()
Other than that, official photographers of the event were also given JPY 15,000,000 (~RM 550,000) cameras from the Danish brand, Phase One, to photograph the proceedings. That’s about the same price as the accessories available on sale for the Hongqi H9.
Also read: Hongqi H9 is ready to make its debut in Japan
![Hongqi showroom opens in Japan! Of Geishas and RM 500k cameras specially for the event 03]()
It sounds like the organisers believe that only the best would suffice for the opening ceremony of China’s most luxurious brand.
![Hongqi showroom opens in Japan! Of Geishas and RM 500k cameras specially for the event 04]()
Japanese website, Bestcarweb, even noted a culture shock that China hospitality includes providing lunch for all its guests. Hongqi had specially made bento boxes shipped to Osaka to serve the guests of the event.
There isnât a time in memory that doesnât involve staring at cars. After discovering the excitement of watching Schumacher vs Hakkinen, Formula 1 became a major part of life. The love for cars and F1 ultimately led to a job with CAR Magazine. The untimely death of the magazine meant a hiatus from cars at lifestyle womenâs magazine Marie Claire before another opportunity came knocking again.
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