This week, learn the Japanese way

Week-long cultural activities organised by the Embassy of Japan started at the PNCA.

ISLAMABAD:

Week-long cultural activities organised by the Embassy of Japan started at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) on Thursday.

The “Japan Week” started with a show of Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangements. As many as 30 students were introduced to the skills of making flower arrangements with fresh and dry floral accessories in the workshop.

Ikebana which literally means “flowers kept alive”, developed into a distinct art form in Japan in the 15th century and is now practiced all over the world including Pakistan. Asifa Ataka, a professor of Ikebana from Karachi, conducted the workshop for the beginners. Advanced classes will continue till March 14.

Ataka studied the art from the Ikenobo School, one of the leading flower arrangement schools in Japan. Students will get to demonstrate the skills they learn during an exhibition on March 15. Certificates will also be awarded to them.

Other activities lined up for the week will focus on different dimensions of the Japanese culture. These include a Japanese film show, Judo demonstration and inauguration of the exhibition titled “Passage to the Future: Art from a New Generation in Japan”.

The Japanese film “Fifteen” (GAKKO-IV) which depicts friendship between two boys in everyday Japanese life will be shown on March 14 at the auditorium of the National Art Gallery. Meanwhile, a Judo demonstration will be held on the following day.

Then an exhibition featuring contemporary Japanese art will open on March 16. This exhibition will present paintings, sculptures, installations, photographs, and video works by 11 young contemporary Japanese artists.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 11^th, 2011.