A taste of Japan in the city

The highlight of Japan Habba this year is a special performance of Taiko, an ancient Japanese form of percussion using large drums.

The popular Indo-Japanese cultural extravaganza, Japan Habba, is back in its 10th edition.

The fest will take place on February 23 at Mount Carmel College, Vasantnagar.

Japan Habba is organised in association with the Japanese Consulate Office in Bangalore, the Japan Foundation New Delhi, Bangalore Nihongo Kyooshi-kai (Japanese Language Teachers Association, Bangalore), Koyo Japanese Speaking Group and the Japanese Association of Bangalore, with support from the Indo-Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Karnataka) and the Indian Council for Cultural Research (ICCR).

Set your goals

The mascot of Japan Habba’s 10th anniversary is the ‘Daruma’ doll, a traditional handmade Japanese wishing doll. Popularly called the ‘Goal doll’, it is supposed to keep people focussed on achieving their goals. Daruma dolls are made of papier mâché and weighted on the bottom so they always stand up, even when pushed. The doll is modelled after Bodhidharma, the founder of the Zen sect of Buddhism, and conveys the Japanese saying “

nana korobi yaoki ” (fall down seven times, get up the eighth time).

The highlight this year is a special performance of Taiko, an ancient Japanese form of percussion using large drums.

Delhi Wadaiko team will also perform. The fest will see some short Japanese plays, demonstrations of Japanese martial arts such as judo, kendo and aikido, Bollywood dance by Japanese women and children, Japanese tea ceremony, kimono wearing, demonstrations of origami and kirigami, ikebana and food courts.

The event is open to all from 10 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. and entry is free.