KARACHI PAKISTAN – On November 15, 2023, the Consulate-General of Japan in Karachi held “Japan Fest 2023” in
collaboration with Pakistan Japan Cultural Association, Sindh (PJCA), and Arts Council of Pakistan
(ACP) with the presence of Barrister Murtaza Wahab Siddiqui, Mayor Karachi, as the chief guest.
The program of Japan Fest 2023 started with a Karate demonstration by Japan Karate Association
Pakistan. The second act of the afternoon was kendo demonstration; the oldest Japanese martial art
whose origin goes back more than 1000 years to the “Samurai” warriors’ arts of the sword, with an
emphasis on fighting finesse as well as character building. The event further featured a cosplay show
by cultural group Geek Haven. Cosplay is a significant aspect of Japanese pop culture, and has now
become one of the most popular sub-cultures among Japanese anime lovers all around the world. The
results of the cosplay competition were announced thereafter, and the winners were awarded prizes.
Various exhibits of Japanese culture were on display including ikebana (the art of floral arrangement),
and bonsai (the art of growing miniature trees). Additionally, various activity booths were set up to
share with guests Japanese culture, and information about Japan related cultural groups’ activities as
well as about Japanese scholarships available for Pakistani students.
The main event of the evening was an enthralling musical performance by sitar maestro Ustad Nafees
Ahmed, tabla player Ustad Mehmood Ali and Mr. NAKAGAWA Yasushi, Deputy Consul General of
Japan. During the opening ceremony, Consul-General of Japan Mr. ODAGIRI Toshio welcomed the
guests for the largest Japanese cultural event of the year and expressed his appreciation for audience’s
interests in Japanese culture. Mr. ODAGIRI also emphasized the importance of such cultural exchange
in strengthening bilateral relations and deepening the cultural awareness as well as understanding
between people from both countries.
The audience was captivated by the fascinating diversity and unique fusion of Japanese and Pakistani
compositions, which culminated with a heartfelt rendition of Shahbaz Qalandar.
