| Rokiah Mahmud |
THE Embassy of Japan in Brunei Darussalam organised a ‘Japanese Language and Culture Week 2019’ to share and introduce traditional and contemporary Japanese culture and lifestyles.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin officiated the opening ceremony at Times Square Shopping Centre.
Ambassador of Japan to Brunei Darussalam Motohiko Kato said the event focusses on culture, and the promotion of the Japanese Language and opportunities to study in Japan.
He added that booths including Japanese Government Scholarships by Brunei Association of Japan Alumni (BAJA), introduction to basic Japanese Language by IBTE Continuing Education and Training, a presentation on the Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Programme (SSEAYP) by BERSATU, and presentation on the Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths (JENESYS) programme by the alumnis are available.
He also referred to the commencement of a direct flight to Tokyo by Royal Brunei Airlines (RB).
“I encourage Bruneians to take this opportunity to experience Japan and our hospitality first-hand,” said the ambassador.
“I hope many Bruneians athletes will also take part in the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic games,” he added,
Brunei-Japan ties in sports were strengthened by the establishment of the National Judo Federation last year.
The event, which ends today, is open to the public.
A unique instrumental musician Gakuzinzan from Japan performed live with a traditional Japanese instrument called Shakuchachi.
A demonstration of authentic Japanese sushi-making by talented Japanese chef, quizzes, Japanese performances will be held today. A line of activities is also prepared at the embassy’s booth such as origami (traditional Japanese paper craft making), a Tsunami Zaiku (traditional Japanese craft involving small square-cut pieces of cloth that are pinched and folded with tweezers) workshop.
The Japanese Language and Culture Week is held in collaboration with Times Square Shopping Centre, Japanese Foundation, IBTE CET of the Ministry of Education, BAJA, JENESYS Alumni, BERSATU and BJFA-UBD and UTB Chapters.