Cultural festival: The colourful side of the resilient Japanese

A ‘musical programme from the hi-tech people’ enthralls audience.

A musical concert, that was organised by the Japanese Embassy and Islamabad Japanese School, was held at the National Art Gallery on Friday. The event was held in collaboration with the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA).

The purpose of the concert was to showcase the traditional Japanese music and dances for the Pakistani audience. The students of the Islamabad Japanese School performed two dances: ‘Yagi-bushi’ and ‘Eisaa’ and the drumming ‘Nagara-Seiryuu-Noboriuchi’. These musical pieces that come from different parts of Japan, were presented with captivating movement and sound.

The energetic and rhythmic dance by the children enthralled the audience. The students also presented a bilingual recitation explaining their performances.

“Nagara Seiryu Noboriuchi”, a Japanese style drumming was presented at the end. It was a dynamic, thunderous, and powerful performance, with the sound of the drums resonating in the soul of both performer and listener.

The amateur performers showcased a folk tradition of Japan with discipline, mastering a complex choreography. This musical performance provided an opportunity for the Pakistani people to learn more about the culture and traditions of Japan through their little Japanese friends.

Earlier speaking to the audience, Japanese ambassador Hiroshi Oe expressed grief and sorrow over the sad demise of Begum Nusrat Bhutto.

“The people of Japan share your sorrow and send you our deepest condolences.”

He said Japan is generally known for its high technology, but today, “we will present a musical programme to show you some different aspects of Japan”.

In March, Japan experienced enormous loss of lives and properties caused by the earthquake and the tsunami. “However, our people have always found courage to stand up again and rebuild our lives,” he said. The energetic and lively performance, which the students are going to give this evening, represent the team spirit of the Japanese people who are struggling to rebuild our nation after the devastating natural disaster.

The envoy expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the people and the government of Pakistan for helping Japanese people and government in difficult time. “A friend in need is a friend indeed,” he said.

He thanked the teachers and students of the Islamabad Japanese School for their hard work and dedication.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 5^th,  2011.