Getting to the heart of Japan

By Shiran Illanperuma

At the annual Japanese Cultural Festival organised by the Japanese Embassy, Kenichi Suganuma, Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, extended his congratulations to the new Government and expressed an eagerness to take the 60-year-old diplomatic relations between both countries to new heights.

Expressing his delight at seeing exhibits of traditional Japanese artworks such as origami, bonsai and ikebana, ambassador Suganuma said: “We are grateful for how our culture has been welcomed by Sri Lanka and embedded in your society.”

Meanwhile soon-to-be Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Japan and current Chairman of ITN, Ganganath Dissanayake who was present at the event, said that his first diplomatic priority would be “to connect to the hearts of Japanese people”.

Dissanayake and representatives from the Japanese Language Teachers Association of Sri Lanka encouraged Sri Lankans to learn to speak Japanese in a bid to spur more trade and cultural exchange with the East Asian giant.

Exhibiting at the weekend long event were a number of Sri Lanka based Japanese cultural groups including the Origami Folders Association of Sri Lanka, Shi-En Ikebana & Floral Art Society of Sri Lanka, Ikebana International Sri Lanka and Sri Lanka Bonsai Association.

These organisations are made up largely of Sri Lankan citizens interested in engaging with Japanese arts and culture though they also include members who are Japanese expatriates living in Sri Lanka.

Along with local exhibitors, a number of Japanese performers were flown to Sri Lanka specially to showcase their traditional art forms at the event. Performances included a demonstration of a Japanese tea ceremony, flute playing and traditional dances.

The exhibition, which has been held annually for over 20 years, seeks to promote cultural ties between Sri Lanka and Japan. The Japanese Embassy is involved in organising other cultural events such as an upcoming Japanese Film Festival.

Sri Lanka organises similar cultural events in Japan where an Avurudu festival replete with traditional Sinhala dancers, drummers and food is celebrated in Tokyo.

- Pix by Indraratne Balasuriya and Japanese Embassy