An article on the cultural exchange fest – Japan Habba
(By Sahnya Mehra; March 2018)
In the last decade or so, Bangalore has witnessed a surge in the population of the Japanese community. Many of the expats work in companies of the automobile and technology industries, along with other Japanese corporate firms. Additionally, the city attracts many Japanese business visitors each month. There is a rapidly growing Japanese influence in Bangalore, mutually benefitting both the cultures that co-exist in the city.
The two cultures share many similarities – a deep rooted sense of respect for the culture and traditions of the countries; the ancient folk costumes, dances, songs and practices; the celebration of nature and festivals of harvest – to name a few. Another element of commonality is the respect and honour given to elders and learned people. The Japanese call their masters “sensei”, while the Indian word for it is “guruji”. Additionally, both societies are considered to be conservative to the western world, especially when it comes to public displays of affection.
The Japan Habba is a cultural exchange festival that seeks to strengthen these very similarities, while simultaneously celebrating their differences. It aims at giving an insight into Japanese music, dance, arts and crafts, while promoting and consolidating Indo-Japan bi-lateral relations. Since its conception in 2004, it has compelled people – both Indian and Japanese from various parts of India to travel to Bangalore in order to be a part of the merriments.
The 14th edition of the Indo-Japanese festival was held over the first weekend of February, in 2018. The JN Tata Auditorium, a part of the Indian Institute of Science, was the epicentre of the festivities. The theme was based off the idyllic city of Aomori – the northernmost prefecture on Japan’s main island of Honshu, famous for its large-scale apple cultivation and snowy climate.
The turnout was spectacular, and visitors had the opportunity to experience innumerable aspects of Japanese culture. There were four main areas of action – the stage performances, the stalls and booths set up, the food courts, and the demonstration areas. The latter was the area where people could cosplay anime characters, take pictures while in character, and give an overall sense of the culture of costumes and anime that’s so inherently famous to Japan. Some also took part in a mock experience of a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony.
Many Japanese organisations had set up stalls, which were of different types. Some sold bookmarks and other handmade handicraft items, where people tried their hand at Japanese calligraphy, while others played traditional Indian and Japanese games. Some stalls had viewings of various art forms like Origami, Kirgami and Ikebana, and others were purely dedicated to selling a product, like cuppa-noodles.
Some stalls functioned as foreign language centres, and one of the most startling, yet pleasing features was the presence of booths dedicated to Employment and Educational opportunities in Japan.
The food court displayed several stalls, filled with both Indian and Japanese delicacies. One could choose to sample a traditional Bento Box, or instead have a traditional Andhra biryani. Several cafes and pastry shops had set up booths to sell pastries, biscuits, or drinks.
There were several stage performances, by both Indian and Japanese communities. There was a spirited rendition of ‘Jai Ho’, a Japanese Quiz by IJCCI, and even a play in Japanese with Indian thespians!
For the last 14 years, the Japan Habba has been a platform that celebrates the similarities, and differences between the two cultures, and promotes an exchange of knowledge and lifestyle.
Takayuki Kitagawa, the Consul - General of Japan in Bangalore, states that there is now a “current atmosphere of co-operation” which makes it easier to create a “long – standing cordiality in diplomatic relationship between the two nations.”