Introducing the members of Sakurakai Japanese Ladies Association, to the world of Bollywood and its colourful dances was the India-Japan Initiative, (IJI) a non-profit organisation run by Kirloskar.  “The recent years have seen the business ties between Japan and India improve. Kirloskar has also shared a successful business relationship with Japan. But what we noticed is that there was less connect when it came to people of both countries. Through IJI we are trying to bring the Japanese closer to us through the lifestyle and culture of modern India of which Bollywood is an integral part,” says IJI chairperson Geetanjali Kirloskar.

IJI has also been holding several workshops across Bangalore, Delhi and Mumbai to get the Japanese women excited about our lifestyle and culture. While they can read up about our heritage and past on the net or in books, it is necessary to help them accustom to present day India as they have to live here. In this regard IJI has been organising workshops on saree draping, yoga, ayurveda, traditional, contemporary and practical jewellery, festivals of India, Indian cuisine, Geetanjali adds.

“I particularly enjoyed this session on Bollywood. Now I’ll understand Hindi movies better. It was really exciting,” says Yaeko Hata, a participant. Reiko on the other hand said that the saree draping session was great fun. I can wear a saree on my own. I plan to sport one at an Indian wedding, she adds. I enjoyed dancing at the Bollywood session too, she says. 

“A fair amount of preparation went into planning the session. But our shows in Japan helped us. Also language was not a problem as dance is a universal and visual medium. We chose popular and peppy tracks only to make the session fun and energetic,” says Arundathi of Shaimak Davar’s Institute of Performing Arts, in whose association the event was conducted.

IJI plans to hold a golf tourney in Bangalore soon. Another session on Indian weddings and bridal wear and make-up is also on the anvil.