KEM CHHE–KONNICHIWA: Innovative Gujarati & Japanese Musical Fusion in Ahmedabad 

AHMEDABAD: The first-ever cultural collaboration event “KEM CHHE – KONNICHIWA” with an Innovative musical fusion was presented by Japanese and Gujarati nationals at the 11th Japan Festival “Nihon Matsuri” at AMA on Sunday. Hiroshi Suzuki, Ambassador of Japan to India inaugurated the Japan Festival on 28th January 2023 and recalled his historical visit to Ahmedabad with Former PM Shinzo Abe in September 2017.

To mark the 70th anniversary of the “Establishment of Diplomatic Relations” between Japan and India, and Commemorating & Rejoicing Historic bonds of Indo-Japan Friendship through showcasing the Best of Japanese Culture, Fine Arts, Films and Martial Arts, the Japan Information and Study Centre at Ahmedabad Management Association (AMA) in association with Indo-Japan Friendship Association Gujarat and the Consulate-General of Japan in Mumbai has been organizing the 11th Japan Festival from January 28th to 31, 2023 at AMA.

According to Mukesh Patel, President Indo-Japan Friendship Association and Deevyesh Radia, President of Ahmedabad Management Association after waiting for more than 15 years our dream has come true for the cultural collaboration with the Japanese community in Gujarat. Motoyuki Sakiyama, President of Japanese Association Ahmedabad and Noritaka Tauchi, Consul, Consulate General of Japan in Mumbai addressed and said that we are looking forward to such collaborations for the better future between India and Japan and the lasting friendship for peace and prosperity.

Indian and Japanese performers jointly presented Musical and Dance Performances. The key attractions of the Musical Fusion Program include Singing of the Indian National Anthem and Japanese National Anthem; Indo-Japan Fusion of Garba and  Bharatnatyam; Solo and Chorus Musical presentation of popular Bollywood songs related to Japan; and performance of popular Japanese Songs by Indian.

Mera Watan Japan (Duet) was jointly performed by Ms. Ari Miyake San and Mrs. Hema Mukesh Patel. Medley of Bollywood Songs on Japan (Duet) was performed by Anahat Khandekar  and Mrs. Hema Mukesh Patel.

We Shall Overcome (Hum Honege Kamyab) in English and Japanese was presented by Ms. Nrupi and Anahat Khandekar and Dehgam International School Students. Hanamizuki Song’s Solo performance was presented by Mrs. Hema Mukesh Patel. Sukiyaki (Ue o Muite Arukou) Solo performance was presented by Anahat Khandekar.

Bharatnatyam Indo-Japan Fusion Dance Performance was performed by Ms. Yashvee Dixit and Ms. Priyanka Prajapati. Garba was sung and performed by Mrs. Hema Mukesh Patel, Ms. Ari Miyake, Ms. Haruka Matsubara and other Indians and Japanese.

Sakura Sakura (Chorus), Indian National Anthem (Jana Gana Mana) (Chorus), and Japan National Anthem (Kimigayo) (Chorus) were jointly performed by Indiana and Japanese.

Related article: Jan 28: Four-day 11th Japan Festival takes off in Ahmedabad on Saturday