It was an event to feel, savour and be Japanese

An array of Japanese cultural events and stalls offering delicacies from that nation were some of the highlights of the 12th edition of Japan Habba that was held at the Jnana Jyothi Auditorium on the Central College campus in the City on Sunday.

Jyunichi Kawaue, Consul and Head of the Consulate, Consulate of Japan, Bengaluru, inaugurated the annual festival that is held with the aim of promoting Indo-Japanese relations and creating an opportunity for people to know more about Japanese culture.

The theme of the day-long event this year was ‘Chouchin’- the traditional Japanese lantern which embodies festival in Japan- and these were also available for sale at the venue. The main attraction of the cultural programme was the song and dance of ‘Sawara Bayashi’ (festival song and dance of the city Sawara in Chiba prefecture near Tokyo) performed by both Japanese and Indian enthusiasts using the ‘Chouchin’.

Japanese expatriate Kazumasa Kuboki’s performance of the Kannada song ‘Prema Chandrama’ stole the show. Other highlights included a Bollywood dance by Japanese women and children, performances of Japanese songs and dances by Indians and Japanese and performances of traditional Indian classical and folk dance.

Several interesting events in the gallery also kept many visitors engaged. There was a tea ceremony demonstration where visitors could see how a traditional Japanese tea ceremony (sado) is performed and try out ‘ocha’ (green tea) and sweets. A large area was also dedicated to the ‘Yukata’ trial where people could wear the Japanese summer kimono (garment) called ‘yukata’ and take pictures.

Many were also seen writing Japanese letters (kanji) in calligraphy style. Other popular attractions included a traditional Japanese toy corner and display of crafts like ‘origami’, ‘kirigami’ and ‘Ikebana’.

There were a few food and refreshment stalls as well where people were seen savouring some authentic Japanese cuisine set out by restaurants in the City, besides Indian snacks. In all, the event offered a good insight into Japanese culture and traditions and an enjoyable day out.

The event was organised by the recently formed Japan Habba Trust. Prof K N Ninge Gowda, Registrar (Evaluation), Bangalore University, presided over the programme. The guests of honour on the occasion were Yoichi Yasui, chairman, Japanese Association of Bangalore and P N Karanth, honorary secretary, Indo-Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry-Karnataka.