Bengaluru folk soak in Japanese culture and traditions

City folk were in for a treat at the annual

Japan

Habba that was held in Bengaluru recently. This year’s theme was

Tanabata

— Wish upon a star. According to Japanese tradition, as Tanabata approaches, people decorate their homes and public space with long, narrow and colourful strips of paper, each with a wish inscribed on it. There were performances by Japanese artistes including Fujima Rankoh, a classical dancer from Japan. There were also many workshops and demonstrations, where Bengalureans were exposed to the art of Origami,

Kirigami

,

Ikebana

(a Japanese style of flower arrangement), calligraphy and more.

In addition to this, there was a book sale, a toy and a photo corner, where one could click pictures in traditional Japanese attire, karate demonstration, quiz and choir performance. There were also several Indian performances and a

cosplay

contest conducted, where participants were dressed to impress. People at the event also savoured many Japanese delicacies.