Hyderabad Japan Festival 2024: A 6-Day Cultural Celebration Strengthening Indo-Japanese Relations

HYDERABAD: Hyderabad is set to host the Hyderabad Japan Festival 2024, a six-day exhibition and cultural program organized by Na Ra JAPAN HUB (NRJH) and supported by the Japanese Association of Hyderabad. Scheduled from September 28 to October 3, 2024, the event will take place across two prominent venues: the Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT), Hitech City, and the Na Ra JAPAN HUB (NRJH) in Kondapur.

The festival aims to deepen the cultural and economic ties between India and Japan while offering a platform for local practitioners of Japanese arts to showcase their talents.

The inauguration ceremony is slated for September 28 at 11:00 am at CCRT, with distinguished guests gracing the event. Sri D. Sridhar Babu, Hon. Minister for Information Technology, Electronics & Communication, Industry & Commerce, and Legislative Affairs, will inaugurate the festival. The event will be presided over by H.E. Takahashi Muneo, Consul-General of Japan in Chennai, and attended by esteemed guests such as Mr. Hiroshi Furuta, CMD Toshiba T&D Systems Hyderabad, Mr. S. K. Jaychandra, IPS (Retd.), and Dr. E. Vishnuvardhan Reddy, IFS.

A Cultural Extravaganza for All Ages: The festival kicks off with an Indo-Japan Cultural Ensemble on the same day at 4:00 pm, featuring Japanese games like Yo-Yo Tsuri and Kendama, followed by a cultural program from 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm. The evening will include performances such as Kuchipudi dance, the Japanese play Momotaro, Japanese songs by Indian children and NASR school students, martial arts demonstrations, and a fusion of Bathukamma and Japanese dance. The cultural ensemble promises to be a vibrant reflection of the rich traditions shared between India and Japan.

Workshops and Exhibitions Showcasing Japanese Culture: A variety of workshops and exhibitions will be held over the course of the festival at both venues. From September 28 to 30, visitors can attend workshops and exhibitions at CCRT, including Bonsai by Friends Bonsai Society, Origami by Mr. Anshul Gupta, Sumie painting by Miss Priya Bharadwaj, and displays from NASR School, EFLU, and more. Guests can also indulge in Tempura prepared by chefs from Toshiba T&D.

Meanwhile, NRJH will host exhibitions and workshops from September 29 to October 3, featuring Ikebana by the Ohara School of Ikebana and a stunning display of Japanese dolls and artifacts. These sessions will give attendees a closer look at traditional Japanese art forms and offer opportunities to learn and engage with experts.

Special Highlights: The Ikigai Workshop: One of the festival’s most anticipated events is the Ikigai Workshop on September 29 at NRJH, led by Mrs. Faakhra Siddiqui. The workshop will explore the Japanese philosophy of Ikigai, which teaches the path to a happy and fulfilling life. Running from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, the workshop is open for registration and is expected to attract participants eager to gain insights into this unique approach to life’s purpose.

Strengthening Indo-Japan Ties: Na Ra JAPAN HUB, founded by Dr. B. Rama Bhadra and Mrs. B. Naganath, has been instrumental in fostering Indo-Japanese relations since 1996 through the annual Japan Festival. The 2024 edition continues the tradition of promoting cultural exchange, economic cooperation, and mutual understanding between the two nations.

Speaking about the event, NRJH representatives emphasized their commitment to increasing awareness about Japan and strengthening ties with the Japanese community in Hyderabad. The organization works closely with the Japanese Consulate General in Chennai, the Japanese Embassy in New Delhi, and other Japanese governmental agencies to further its goals in economy, trade, language, and culture.

With a comprehensive line-up of cultural performances, exhibitions, and educational workshops, the Hyderabad Japan Festival 2024 is set to be an enriching experience for attendees, bridging the cultural and historical connections between India and Japan.