Two-day Northeast Japan Caravan underway in Kohima

February 10, 2024 39 Views No Comment

Morung Express news
Kohima| February 10

The two-day Northeast Japan Caravan organised by the Japan Foundation New Delhi was inaugurated by Theja Meru, Chairman of the Task Force for Music & Arts (TaFMA) Government of Nagaland at Capital Cultural Hall on February 9.

Speaking at the inaugural programme, Meru said it is a golden opportunity for the people of Nagaland and the Northeastern people in general to have such inspiring event being held in the city.

He hoped that the Japan Caravan will promote further and strengthen ties between Nagaland and Japan through the interactive language sessions, cultural workshops among others.

The chairman shared on how Nagaland regards Japan as country that is considered to be one of the most loved countries by the people here. He said, ‘it can be seen through the appreciation and recognition of their culture, music, lifestyle, food among others.’

Meru also mentioned that Nagaland Cosplay is one of the biggest Cosplay in the event served as a testament to the immense love for Japanese culture, including food and lifestyle.

‘Nurturing friendships’
Aoi Ishimaru, Director for Art and Culture, Japan Foundation in New Delhi said that the understanding and appreciation for culture roots is the best way to maintain friendships and peace among each other. And the idea behind the Northeast Japan Caravan stems from the goal of nurturing friendships and enriching human-to-human exchanges.

Ishimaru said that Kohima is the 6th city covering Northeast region as part of the Northeast Japan Caravan 2023 marking the first Japanese culture event in the region.

Speaking about the experience and association the Japan Foundation in the country have had with the people, she said that the Northeast Japan Caravan has given them the opportunity to meet many people and said that it gives them pleasure to learn that many people of the region are fond of Japan and how we feel close to them.

“This is because we must be sharing some common culture routes,” the director noted.

Ishimaru informed that the Northeast Japan Caravan was inaugurated in 2019 which has now become an annual cultural extravaganza. As of date, she informed that it has reached six cities of the Northeast including Dimapur, Guwahati, Imphal, Shillong, Aizawl, and Kohima.

The Caravan curates a diverse range of activities such as language seminars, film screenings, cosplay, traditional games among others.

Engineer in Chief, Department of Power, Moa Aier, highlighted the historical and tangible connection with Japan while reflecting on Nagaland’s interactions with influential groups, he pointed out the British in 1832 who brought significant changes to social and administrative aspects.

The Americans followed in 1872, introducing religion and education, while interactions with Indians and Myanmar also played a role. The third impactful group was the Japanese, even though their presence was short-lived in 1944.

He said that despite the brief duration, Japan has left a lasting impact on Nagaland’s culture and society, particularly in areas like music, arts, and various skill domains, Aier added.

Taisei Toyomaru, Director, Japan Foundation chaired the inauguration programme and welcomed the guests.

The two-day event featured interactive language sessions, selective range of anime movie screenings and cultural workshops aimed at promoting Japanese language and culture.

Other highlights of the day included Yukata experience sessions or Japanese dress experience and Anime Films, Okko’s Inn, Children of the sea were screened today.

Nagaland Anime Junkie will make a Cosplay performance tomorrow along with anime film screening.