Members of the public can expect to enjoy an array of exciting traditional and modern cultural performances during the Japanese Language and Culture Week scheduled to be held from March 10 to 13 at the Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) Chancellor Hall.
Among the must see performances are the Wadaiko, Origin Japanese Solo, as well as the rhythm and music performance.

Wadaiko is a Japanese drum performance, which will see three Japanese drummers from Kuala Lumpur showing their skills.

Other interesting performances include the Tatsumaki Dance – which is adapted from the Japanese Traditional Festival Dance; UBD students in the Cultural Arts In Clothing Trends competition; Reflection of Japanese social and cultural aspects; as well as a tea ceremony.

All performances will be unveiled during the 2 pm launching ceremony on March 10.

Information about the Japanese Language and Culture Week was revealed during a press conference yesterday by Counsellor Akira Sato from the Japanese Embassy and Minako Keanery, a Japanese Language Lecturer at UBD.

Additionally, 19 booths will be exhibiting items relating to Japan – namely, technology, sports, fashion, origami, calligraphy, tea ceremony, Ikebana martial arts, games, anime, Japanese food and manga music.

On the second day, the public can get another chance to check out the Wadaiko performance, followed by Bonodori workshop and performance starting from 10 am.

Lined up for March 12 are an origami workshop, and the Cultural Arts In Clothing Trends competition.

On the final day, visitors can learn more about making Japanese Nigirizushi during a 3 pm cooking demonstration.

“This year we are hoping to create an interactive experience between the organiser and visitors, where visitors can also participate in performances. Last year the event attracted 3,000 visitors and it is expected that the number will increase this year,” said Counsellor Akira Sato.

In regard to the event’s theme ‘Culture Fusion’ (Traditional and Modern), Minako Keanery said, “Young people like the modern culture, but still we have to preserve our traditional culture… so we came up with this theme.”

The event, which aims to deepen understanding of Japanese culture, is jointly organised by the UBD Language Centre and Embassy of Japan.

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