Showcase of all things Japanese at UBD

THE fourth Japanese Language and Culture Week was launched yesterday co-organised by the Embassy of Japan and Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) in an effort to develop a better understanding of Japanese culture among the public.

Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Hj Abdul Wadood Bolkiah Pengiran Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah Pengiran Anak Hj Abdul Aziz was present as guest of honour to officiate the event held at UBD's Chancellor Hall.

Acting Director of UBD's Language Centre Dr Teo Siew Yean in her opening remarks said that she believes in the statement, "Language is culture and culture is language".

"I believe effective communication is more than a matter of language proficiency," said Dr Teo.

"Apart from enhancing and enriching communicative competence, cultural competence is equally important because it can lead to greater understanding toward different cultures," she added.

Themed "Culture Fusion - Traditional and Modern", the first performance at the event featured a Wadaiko (Japanese drums) performance by representatives from the Japanese Foundation in Malaysia.

A Tatsumaki (martial arts dance) performance and a "Cultural Arts in Japanese Clothing Trends" fashion show were also performed by UBD students for the enjoyment of the public.

The fashion show saw students displaying different types of Japanese clothing designed by the students themselves and their depiction of modern Japanese street fashion. Four representatives from the Japanese Embassy also took part to display the traditional Japanese kimono.

Following the performances, Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Hj Abdul Wadood Bolkiah, led by Japanese Ambassador to Brunei Hirose Noriki, was taken to view the exhibition, which saw 19 booths depicting a variety of Japanese culture such as manga, anime, sports, origami, fashion, techonology and martial arts.

The guest of honour was also a willing participant in a demonstration of a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.

The Japanese Language and Culture Week will be held for three days until March 13. A Bonodori (Japanese folk dance) performance and workshop will also be held during the course of the event.

For those interested in learning the intricacies of Japanese cuisine, there will also be a Japanese cooking demonstration whereby participants will learn to make nigirizushi, a type of sushi that involves compressing meat on a small ball of Japanese rice.

A large crowd of schoolchildren from different schools were seen visiting the exhibition yesterday, all fascinated to learn the Japanese way of life.

Also present at the event was Deputy Minister of Industry and Primary Resources Dato Paduka Hj Hamdillah Hj Abdul Wahab.

The Brunei Times