Japan Expo 2018 concludes on a high note

By Safna Malik

The second edition of Japan Expo 2018 concluded successfully on Monday (23), with many Sri Lankans having the opportunity to experience Japanese culture, consumer products, technology and arts.

The three-day event organised by Japan-Sri Lanka Kizuna Association at the BMICH provided an opportunity for Sri Lankans to have a hands-on experience on Japanese culture, products, technology, arts, traditional music and sports.

Addressing at the inauguration, Minister of Special Assignments Dr. Sarath Amunugama highlighted that there was a significant surge in Japanese business travellers coming to Sri Lanka in the recent years. 

The exhibition consisted of around 30 stalls showcasing a wide variety of Japanese products, food and beverages, clothing materials, Japanese pop (J-Pop), traditional music and electronic appliances. The exhibition also provided visitors with the opportunity to acquire knowledge through workshops and sessions related to Japanese culture and heritage.

The spacious arrangement organised by the BMICH allowed Japanese exhibitors to showcase their collections in the pavilions, offering visitors a fascinating journey during the three days.

Chihiro Koshi, a 37 year old contemporary artist with 20 years of experience in painting is an art graduate who has published her paintings in New York City in the US, India and all over Japan; she participated at Japan Expo 2018 for the very first time in Sri Lanka.

Koshi said it took three days to finish the open production, ‘The Rainbow Bridge’ using positive colours on the huge canvas, which expressed friendly relationship between Japan-Sri Lanka.

The last day of the exhibition included a symposium of Japanese architecture and digital image.

The Best Picture was awarded to ‘100 Yen Love’ Japanese sports drama film directed by Masaharu Take at the film festival awards ceremony held on Monday (23) at the Japan Expo 2018.

Kamen Jyoshi, a renowned J-Pop band in Japan also expressed, that they were delighted to be a part of the exhibition. “We are so happy for the opportunity to perform in Sri Lanka for the first time; we had a great time at the expo,” they added.

Nyangostar, a famous idol from Japan who performed heavy metal songs also participated at the exhibition.

Students from West Japan Student Sumo Federation demonstrated the famous Japanese wrestling sport ‘Sumo’ which was a great attraction at the expo.

In addition University Club of Mitsudome students performed with Japanese traditional music instrument ‘Tsugaru Shamisen’ at the exhibition.

Pix by Ruwan Walpola