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.