Cultural event: Vitality of Japanese culture, traditions showcased at musical event

Ambassador Inomata expresses his delight at public interest in various performances

ISLAMABAD: Locals as well as foreigners were treated to an enthralling display of the vitality of Japanese culture and traditions in the form of a meticulously-organised musical event, here at the Islamabad Club on Saturday.

Japanese folk dances, wadaiko drumming, instrumental music and songs were performed at the event jointly organised by the Embassy of Japan, Islamabad Japanese School, Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica), Pakistan-Japan Cultural Association and the MEXT Alumni Association of Pakistan.

Katsunori Ashida, first secretary of the Embassy of Japan, surprised everyone when he sang popular Japanese songs in Urdu. Traditional dance and drum performance by children from the Islamabad Japanese School was equally appreciated by the audience. The energetic and rhythmic dance with wadaiko drumming by the students stole the show.

The purpose of the event was to showcase traditional Japanese music and dances to the Pakistani people. The various performances provided an opportunity to the audience to discover Japanese culture and traditions.

Pakistani folk dances and instrumental music also added colour to the show.

Ambassador Hiroshi Inomata said that he was delighted to see such a large audience, “which shows Japanese culture is a popular phenomenon among the people of Pakistan”.

He said that through the various performances, “we want you to understand that Japanese culture and traditions reflect the vitality and strength of the Japanese people.”

He said that the purpose of the event was to promote cultural harmony and to provide a joint platform to the artists of both the countries.

The ambassador praised the effort put in by the artists and the students for the event.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 15^th, 2015.