A participant breaks blocks during the demonstration. PHOTO: EXPRESS
ISLAMABAD: The Japanese embassy hosted an Eid reception on Tuesday, with the guest list comprising mostly of Pakistani dignitaries, alumni of Japanese universities, and businesspersons having relationships with the island nation.
The event featured performances of Japanese music and a karate demonstration, while the menu included delicious Japanese treats such as sushi and tempura prawns, along with European and Pakistani dishes.
Outside the main hall at the hotel, Japanese companies such as Toyota, Suzuki, Mitsubishi Kansai Paint, NEC, and Otsuka Pakistan had set up stalls showing off their latest wares and products.
Ambassador Takashi Kurai started the speeches by wishing attendees a belated Eid mubarak and expressing hope that everyone had an enjoyable Eid, adding that “the Embassy of Japan would also like to share the Eid festivity with Pakistani friends and renew the friendship and goodwill fostered between our two countries over the long history of our relationship.”
He kept his speech short, noting that his “most important task as the first speaker is to end my speech as soon as possible because we will have very interesting performances later on.”
Pakistan Japan Cultural Association President Hafiz SA Rehman also spoke.
The first performance was a rendition of the national anthems using the Shakuhachi, a Japanese wind instrument, played by MEXT Alumni Association of Pakistan President Zafar Mahmood with the support of Japanese diplomat Katsunori Ashida on keyboard.
Later came an entertaining karate performance by local black belts, with Japanese diplomat Teruaki Nagasawa also participating. The local athletes were members of the Japan Karate Association’s local affiliate, appearing under its country chief Dr Mujeeb Tahir.
Guests appreciated the performances and surrounded the stage for the karate demo.
On the sidelines, a few journalists discussed the problematic state of affairs in which various professional unions for media persons find themselves, reminiscing to times when most of the current crop were still either in grade school or glimmers in their fathers’ eyes.
Meanwhile, a few officials from international agencies expressed a mix of concern and optimism regarding Pakistan’s focus, or lack thereof, on environmental issues and disaster preparedness, while also questioning the state and the public’s lack of response to right wing elements which are attempting to defame “your greatest citizen, Mr Edhi” after his death.
A lighter conversation focused on the lack of charm and charisma among the younger lot of politicians, specifically those who have or will inherit their political parties, and like their parents, will probably take turns becoming prime minister.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 14th, 2016.
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