The second edition of the Japan Expo will take place at the BMICH, Colombo from April 21 to 23.
Featuring everything from Japanese movies to tea ceremonies, Japan Expo 2018 is a golden opportunity for Sri Lankans and foreigners young and old to discover Japan.
One of the main highlights of the Expo will be the Japanese tea ceremony called sado. Also called the Way of Tea, it is a Japanese cultural activity involving the ceremonial preparation and presentation of “matcha” powdered green tea. Kado or Japanese flower arrangements will be another attraction at the Expo. Also called “ikebana” it is the Japanese art of creating and appreciating of floral arrangements by using seasonal flowers along with various materials.
You will be able to see Sumo wrestlers (called Rikishi in Japanese) in action at Japan Expo 2018. Sumo is a Japanese style of wrestling and Japan’s national sport. It originated in ancient times as a performance to entertain the Shinto deities.
You can also see the famous Japanese instrument Shamisen in action at Japan Expo 2018. The shamisen is a three stringed lute from Japan, with growing international interest. The most unique quality of the shamisen is its ability to be percussive and melodic at the same time. You can also catch several Japanese movies at Japan Expo.
These will either be dubbed or subtitled in Sinhalese. The movies are: In this Corner of the World (2016), Her Love Boils bath Water (2016), 100 Yen Love (2014) and Samurai Hustle Returns (2016).
There will also be a Kamen/Joshi performance at the Expo. Meaning ‘Masked Girls’ in Japanese, it is a Japanese girl group. Each member of the group wears a mask which covers up their face when performing.
The Expo will also feature a traditional Japanese Neputha ceremony for the first time. This procession will begin from the BMICH and parade the streets. There will also be a Nyangosta drumming show. The performer is dressed like an animal dressed in red. They will be joined by the Sri Lankan Police cultural troupe.
The Expo will also include a workshop session on modern Japanese architecture and interior design by well-known Japanese architect Tsuyoshi Tane. A Digital Video Symposium will be held for the benefit of all practitioners of digital video in Sri Lanka.
There will also be several other lectures on various topics. Japanese wall artist Chichiro Koshi will engage in an “open production” in all three days. Artist Akihiro Nishino will present his picture book exhibition ‘Poupelle of Chimney Town’ at Hall C. Japanese goods and food items will also be available for purchase at the fair.