12th Japan Festival Launches This Friday: Experience ‘Nippon Odori’ at AMA

AHMEDABAD (GUJARAT).  The much-anticipated 12th Japan Festival, themed “Nippon Odori: Showcase on Dance Festivals of Japan,” is set to begin this Friday, October 4, 2024, at the Ahmedabad Management Association (AMA). The festival will be inaugurated by Koji Yagi, Consul General of Japan in Mumbai. Ms. Kyoko Hokugo, Minister Economic at the Embassy of Japan in New Delhi, and Mukesh Patel, Honorary Consul of Japan in Gujarat will also be present on the occasion.

This year’s festival not only celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Japan but also highlights the enduring friendship and cooperation between Japan and India, particularly in Gujarat.

Since January 2009, when Japan became the first-ever country partner of the Vibrant Gujarat Celebrations, the bonds of friendship, goodwill, and cooperation between Gujarat and Japan have grown significantly. This partnership has achieved remarkable milestones across academic, business, and cultural fronts.

The Japan Information and Study Centre at AMA, in collaboration with the Indo-Japan Friendship Association of Gujarat (IJFA), has successfully organized eleven previous Japan Festivals over the past fifteen years. These festivals have received widespread acclaim and appreciation from thousands of Japan enthusiasts in Ahmedabad and across Gujarat.

The 12th Japan Festival is particularly special as it coincides with the celebration of Japan Month, initiated by the Embassy of Japan in New Delhi, and marks the opening of the office of the first Honorary Consul of Japan in India at Ahmedabad. The festival runs from October 4 to October 6, 2024, and aligns with the popular Gujarati Navratri Folk Dance Festival, making it a fitting occasion to name it Nippon Odori, which translates to “Festival of Japanese Folk Dances.”

One of the festival’s key attractions is a Photo-Film Exhibition that will provide a captivating journey into the enchanting world of Japanese dance. This exhibition will showcase various dance festivals across Japan, renowned for their rich traditions and vibrant expressions.

Attendees will have the opportunity to explore an array of dance performances that highlight the heart and soul of Japan’s artistic heritage. From the exhilarating rhythms of Awa Odori in Tokushima to the mesmerizing elegance of Nihon Buyo traditional dances in Kyoto, each festival represents unique regional characteristics and deep cultural significance.

The inauguration ceremony will feature Koji Yagi’s address, during which he will launch the Photo-Film Exhibition on Dance Festivals of Japan at AMA Exhibition Hall. The event will also include an interaction with print and electronic media. Joining him will be Ms. Kyoko Hokugo, Minister Economic at the Embassy of Japan in New Delhi, and Mukesh Patel, Honorary Consul of Japan in Gujarat.

For the first time ever, the festival will present Indo-Japanese fusion dance performances, showcasing popular folk dances from both regions. Members from the Japanese community in Ahmedabad will collaborate with local Gujarati dancers to create a unique cultural experience that celebrates their shared artistic heritage. This collaboration is particularly significant as both traditional Japanese folk dances (Furyu Odori) and Gujarati Garba have recently been recognized by UNESCO as part of its Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Additionally, on Saturday, October 5, there will be an interactive talk titled “Cultural Similarities in Folk Dances of Japan and Gujarat,” presented by Mrs. Falguni Hiren, Director of Spandan Folk Dance Academy.

The Photo-Film Exhibition will be open for public viewing on October 5 and 6 from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM at AMA Exhibition Hall. Organizers encourage everyone to attend this celebration that promises to be an enriching experience for all participants.

For more information or to register for this exciting event, interested individuals can contact AMA at 079-26308601 or visit their website at www.amaindia.org.