Do you like to go to Japan ? Who doesn’t ? Then here is your chance to discover Japan without even taking a plane. Just go to the BMICH today or tomorrow (April 22/23) to see Japan Expo 2018, an exhibition of all things Japanese.
Featuring everything from Japanese movies to tea ceremonies, Japan Expo 2018 is a golden opportunity for young Sri Lankans, especially students, to discover Japan. You can also win educational scholarships to study there. And you can learn all about Ikebana, Origami and yes, Japanese foods.
Have you heard of the Japanese tea ceremony called Sado ? This exhibition will let you learn about the art of tea in Japan, along with the art of flower arrangements called Kado or Ikebana. Did you know that this actually started as a tribute to the dead ?
You will also be able to see huge Sumo wrestlers (called Rikishi in Japanese) in action at Japan Expo 2018. Sumo is a Japanese style of wrestling and Japan's national sport. It originated in ancient times as a performance to entertain the Shinto deities. Only men practice the sport professionally in Japan. Matches take place on an elevated ring called Dohyo, which is made of clay and covered in a layer of sand.
If you love music, you can see the famous Japanese instrument Shamisen in action at Japan Expo 2018. The shamisen is a three stringed lute from Japan, with the ability to be percussive and melodic at the same time.
You can also catch the famous Japanese animated movie “In This Corner of the World” dubbed in Sinhalese at the Expo. In 1944, Suzu Urano moves to the small town of Kure in Hiroshima where she marries Shuusaku Houjou—a young clerk who works at the local naval base. Living with his family, Suzu becomes essential to the running of the household and creatively prepares meals during the tough wartime conditions while also carrying out daily housework. In 1945, intense bombings by the U.S. military finally reach Kure. Suzu's life is changed but through courage, she manages to continue to live life to the fullest. Among the other movies to be shown are Her Love Boils bath Water (2016), 100 Yen Love (2014 and Samurai Hustle Returns (2016).
You can also see a Kamen/Joshi performance at the Expo. Meaning “Masked Girls” in Japanese, it is a Japanese girl group who are called “Masked Girls” because each member of the group wears a mask which covers their face when performing. There will also be a “Nyangosta” drumming show. The performer is dressed like an animal dressed in red. They will be joined by the Sri Lankan Police cultural troupe.
If you like traditional Japanese food there will be stalls in the outdoor area behind C and E Halls and you can taste the foods in Hall 3. You will also be able to buy other Japanese goods in Halls A and E. There will be a fair where they will explain about educational opportunities in Japan. Participants will have to fill the forms available at the Expo stall to be eligible. Twenty educational scholarships will also be on offer.