‘Inspiring’ festivities billed for Japan Day
THE upcoming Japan Day 2020 – Olympics Edition will share various exciting, exotic and inspiring elements of Japan with locals.
The Japanese Consulate in Cape Town will host Japan Day 2020 on March 14 at Oude Libertas Slow Market in Stellenbosch from 9am until 3pm, in collaboration with the Japanese community in Cape Town as well as The Japan External Trade Organisation (Jetro).
The family friendly event this year will feature the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics and will also reflect on the victory of the Springboks in Japan at the 2019 World Cup by hosting a rugby talk.
“The rugby activation of last year’s Japan day with captain Siya Kolisi and other players has led to six weeks of dreamlike excitement at the Rugby World Cup in Japan, which ultimately led to the victory of the Springboks and the mutual respect among the two nations grew stronger than ever before,” organisers said in a statement.
Performances on the day will include aikido, karate, judo, kendo, kintetsu (Japanese sword demonstration) and kyudo (archery).
“This year we will feature a Ghibli Cosplay competition. The competition consists of two components – the first is a photographic competition showcasing Cosplayers at their own Ghibli spots in Cape Town and the second will be a Cosplay competition of favourite Ghibli characters on the day.”
Other competitions on the day include the Emerging Designer’s Bonsai competition while authentic Japanese performances and demonstrations such as koto (Japanese harp), taiko (drums), shakuhachi (Japanese flute), sumi-e (drawings art by Japanese brushstroke), Bonsan (miniature gardens), Japanese food demonstrations by a Japanese chef, display of koi carp as well as a demonstration of Nihon-Buyo (Hanayagi School traditional dance) will keep guests entertained.
For the first time, the Cape Town event will include a Nihon-Ga (traditional Japanese painting) exhibition, Nihon-Ken (Japanese dog breeds like Shiba Inu) and Bon Odori (community dance) experience.
Japan Day will also feature information booths at the Japanese Business Village.
Jetro will host a talk around doing business with Japan and Jica (Japan International Co-operation Agency) will present a master course and internship programme about Japan as well as other development initiatives.
A screening of the acclaimed Japanese animation Children of the Sea (2019) will be hosted in collaboration with Comic Con and CTIAF (Cape Town International Animation Festival).
“This year we have also invited vendors who will be selling Japanese-style foods and a wide range of Japanese goods ranging from kitchen materials, ingredients required to make the featured Japanese dishes displayed by the food demonstration to manga comics,” organisers said.
At the kiddies corner, guests can find a variety of Japanese toys and partake in Suikawari (watermelon smashing). For more information, visit www.facebook.com/CoJCPT/
Admission is free.