Actor Robert De Niro, Chef Nobu Matsuhisa and other VIPs took part in a ribbon-cutting to herald the opening of Nobu Hotel Caesars Palace and Nobu Restaurant and Lounge at Caesars Palace Las Vegas.

Both the 181-room Nobu Hotel (a boutique hotel-within-a-hotel at Caesars Palace) and Nobu Restaurant officially open Feb. 4, 2013.

We snagged some exclusive video of the ribbon-cutting, as well as some remarks from Chef Nobu and Robert De Niro.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Us9i7qorbw

Chef Nobu (who made a point of saying he was using an authentic Japanese sword during the ribbon-cutting, as opposed to a prop) and Robert De Niro were joined by Caesars Palace President Gary Selesner, lead designer David Rockwell, Nobu Hospitality partner Meir Teper and others for the event which featured Japanese taiko drummers.

Robert De Niro trivia: The actor first gained fame by appearing in a film called “Bang the Drum Slowly.” Ah, the circularity of the universe.

Also on hand were two statuesque models (one does not live by percussion alone), including one in a dress made almost entirely from origami cranes. Look below for what unfolded.

The opening of Nobu Hotel Caesars Palace is accompanied by a number of firsts. For example, it’s the first Nobu Hotel in the world. Also, for the first time, guests will be able to enjoy in-room dining from a Nobu Restaurant, including a breakfast menu (another first). The restaurant will be open 24/7.

At 12,775-squre-feet, Nobu Restaurant & Lounge is the largest Nobu Restaurant in the world.

Find out more about Nobu Hotel Caesars Palace. Or learn how to make an origami crane if that’s more your thing.