Fest features Japanese artefacts

Thiruvananthapuram: A three-day fest in the city is serving as a portal to experience the ancient Japanese culture and lifestyle.
The ‘Discover Japan’ fest, organized by the Alumni Society of AOT, Trivandrum Centre (ASATC), in collaboration with the Embassy of Japan to commemorate 70 years of Indo-Japan relations, features ‘Bonsai’ trees, traditional ‘Geisha’ and ‘Kokeshi’ dolls, kimonos, origami classes and more.
The fest, curated with the intention to familiarize the public with the culture and ancient traditions of Japan, presents a complete feast for those looking to learn more about this island nation.
The event includes exhibitions, discussions and workshops on various subjects.
“We have exhibited significant Japanese cultural artefacts here. There are paintings and photographs depicting Japanese lifestyle and heritage, models of Buddhist temples and palaces, books written about the culture, as well as a collection of Bonsai trees. Workshops on traditional Japanese paper craft called Origami Ikebana, which is their unique way of flower arrangement, and the basics of Japanese language were also arranged,” says Ram Kamal, who is part of the organizing committee.
The students who visit the fest also have the opportunity to get more information about higher studies in Japan.
“Japan is known to have the best institutions in the world for studies and research in subjects like environmental science. Students can earn scholarships through entrance tests and get a chance to study in Japan,” added Kamal.
On Sunday, artist Bhattathiri will lead a Japanese calligraphy workshop followed by a short training session in the basics of Japanese language by Sivaram Menon.
Entry is free for the fest, which is open from 9am to 8pm at Ayyankali Hall, Palayam.
The fest will conclude today.