JOIN USThe day-long Japan Habba, the popular Indo-Japanese cultural exchange programme, held at Mount Carmel College recently, attracted a large number of Japanese living in the City.
The event was put together by the Japanese consulate office in Bangalore, The Japan Foundation New Delhi, Bangalore Nihongo Kyooshi-kai (Japanese Language Teachers’ Association, Bangalore), Koyo Japanese Speaking Group, to mention a few. It showcased Japanese food, art, music and tradition at its best.
The ‘Daruma dolls’ that were rather generously used to decorate the venue, were a feast to the eyes. There was a special performance of Taiko, an ancient Japanese form of percussion, using large drums, by the Delhi-based Wadaiko troupe. The troupe did well to brighten up the atmosphere with their scintillating drum beats. Sharada Shekar, a visitor at the Habba, said, “Drum beats excite people of all age groups and I found the performance lively and energetic. This is not something we get to see all the time.”
There were also martial arts demonstrations of judo, Kendo and Aikido. Demonstrating Aikido, Nobuaki Yamamoto, consul and head of the consulate of Japan, Bangalore, said, “While some forms of Japanese martial arts are inherently combative in purpose,
Aikido, a technique developed by the Great Master Morihei Ueshiba, is a defence technique which relies on the synergy of positive energy of the mind and body.”
Srividhya A, chairman, Japan Habba 2014 organising committee, said, “The Habba is an effort to bring together the interests of Indian enthusiasts of Japanese language and Japanese national enthusiasts to showcase their appreciation of each other’s language, culture and customs.”
Another exciting event at the Habba was the Japanese tea ceremony, demonstrated by the Japanese ladies. The visitors didn’t miss a chance to try on the Yukata (the Japanese summer kimono). There were also demonstrations of origami and kirigami, ‘calligraphy’, ‘caricature’, kanji mehendi, Ikebana and food courts. Sonalika Bhattacharya, a banker, said, “I participated in the Japanese tea ceremony, which was a new experience for me. I also tried my hand at wearing the Japanese summer kimono. Overall, it was a rewarding experience.”
John, a part of the Japanese Language Teachers’ Association, said, “Habbas like this one gives you a chance to experience the true culture of Japan. The Japanese drum beat, the demonstration of Japanese martial art forms and Japanese women dressed in kimonos of different colours made for an exciting weekend outing.”
T Srikanth, head of an IT firm, in the City, said, “I really loved the plays and music performances. The sheer variety at the Habba was enlightening and enriching.”