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Two cultures on a platter

Emperors Birthday
Last Updated 17 December 2012, 14:22 IST

The Japanese community in the City came together recently on the occasion of the Japanese Emperor’s birthday. The reception was hosted by the Japanese Ambassador to India Takeshi Yagi. Governor Hansraj Bhardwaj was also there to extend his good wishes.

After a ceremonial start, Takeshi Yagi addressed the gathering. “This is the 60th year of Japan and India’s bilateral relations and I am extremely honoured to have come here to Bangalore. Our Prime Ministers have held several meetings in the economic field and there has been a 48 per cent increase in the number of Japanese companies in Karnataka. Since this is the 60th year of Indo-Japan ties, we have planned a host of activities. Many of them will be held in Karnataka as well. We appreciate the support extended to us by the Indians during the earthquake and hope that our ties become stronger,” he says.

The reception saw the coming together of two cultures. In fact, many were seen donning the kimono. While some were dressed in  traditional Japanese style, many Japanese women could be seen sporting the sari with grace and charm.

Masako, who has shifted to the City only recently, enjoyed the evening along with her friends.

“I did not know that Bangalore has such a huge Japanese community. Its nice to be here and meet new people who share the same roots. Like others, I am here to wish and pray for the Emperor. He is very important for us and has been unwell of late. I am very concerned and hope that he recovers soon,” she says.

A wide variety of Japanese and Indian dishes were in the offing for the guests. Many were seen enjoying the crisp tempura or the fried prawns, which were fried right in front of the guests. Ayaka, one of the guests, was looking forward to the food and was happy that she could sample authentic Japanese food.

“I want to taste some sushi. I hope they have made it in the authentic Japanese style. I have met many of my old friends here and I am glad that I attended the party,” she says.

Nobuaki Yamamoto, counsellor and consul of the Embassy of Japan in India, informs that it is with the joint cooperation of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce that this party has been organised. "Many Japanese companies present in the City have cooperated and we have been able to host this party," he adds.

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(Published 17 December 2012, 14:22 IST)

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