The colours of Japan

The steady growth of Japanese culture in India coupled with the successful political and economic ties between the two countries is, indeed, a good sign. Timed perfectly right after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Japan, the Teacher's Association of Japanese and the Consulate General of Japan, Mumbai, have organised Indradhanush, a Japanese-Indian cultural fusion festival.

The fest will be organised on Saturday, September 20, 2014, from 10am – 4pm at the K.J. Somaiya Centre for Buddhist Studies, Somaiya Vidyavihar, and also on Sunday, September 21, 2014, from 2.30pm to 5.30pm at the Yashwantrao Chavan Centre, J. Bhonsale Marg, opposite Mantralaya.
The first day has in store demonstrations of Yukata Wearing, Kanji painting and cosplay. Visitors can taste Japanese food and witness their tea ceremony. The first day at Vidyavihar will also have Ikebana demonstrations and making of origami. The second day of Indradhanush at the Yashwantrao Chavan Centre includes performances by children of the Japanese schools in Mumbai and learners of Japanese from all over Mumbai. The fest will also include sale of old books and dictionaries, mangas, kanji, Japanese mugs and woodblock prints.

Though not traditionally influenced by the east-Asian culture, there is a steady growth in the influence of Japan on India. Comic art forms like manga and anime, discussions on cosplay and the increased consumption of sushi among the nouveau riche and middle class are good omens that Japanese culture is making inroads into India.
Sarita Sundaram, President of the Teachers Association of Japanese, is closely associated with the festival since 2008. She says, "The idea was to bring the Japanese community in Mumbai closer to those learning Japanese in Mumbai, to promote better understanding of each other's cultures and to forge better understanding between the two countries. This year, acting Consul General Kawata will be joining us."

What Mr. Kawata said, on the occasion of the Japanese Language Speech Contest sums it all up! He said, "While emperors and Prime Ministers may meet and discuss policies, it is we, the common people, who can be the ambassadors for our countries. There is so much that we can each learn from the other."