Organized 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, the event is also supported by the Indo-Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (Karnataka) and the Indian Council for Cultural Research (ICCR). Mount Carmel College has shown strong support for Japan Habba by being the venue partner for the event.
The mascot of Japan Habba’s 10th anniversary is the Daruma doll, a traditional handmade Japanese wishing doll (or charmingly referred to as a "Goal Doll") that is supposed to keep one focused on achieving their goals. Hollow and round in shape, the doll is modeled after Bodhidharma, the founder of the Zen sect of Buddhism. Daruma dolls are made of papier mâché and weighted on the bottom so they always stand up, even when pushed - symbolic of Bodhidharma's persistence in meditation. In Japan, the saying “nana korobi yaoki” which translates as “fall down seven times, get up eight”; conveys the symbolism of the Daruma to never ever give up on one’s dreams - the underlying theme of Japan Habba’s 10th anniversary year.
The highlight of Japan Habba this year is a special performance of Taiko. Taiko is an ancient Japanese form of percussion using large drums. Literally, Taiko means "fat drum," although there is a vast array of shapes and sizes of Taiko. The drums range in size from roughly a snare drum ("shime"), to drums as large as a car (the "o-daiko"). The most common drum size in Taiko is the "chu-daiko" which is the size of a wine barrel.
During the 1900's, Taiko drumming became a musical art form that involved a music ensemble and tightly choreographed movements. This is Taiko as we know it today. One of Taiko's most defining aspects is its dynamic playing style. Taiko playing is loud, hard, and fast, and involves a lot of choreographed movement which many identify with Japanese martial arts. Borrowing on thousands of years of tradition, Taiko groups are now taking the style worldwide. Taiko promises to be the first native Japanese music to spread through the world.
Performing at Japan Habba 2014 is the Delhi based Delhi Wadaiko team. Formed in 2006 and using drums made in India by Indian craftsmen, the troupe of 7 performers is all set to rock the stage at the Habba.
Commenting on this year’s event, Mrs. A. Srividhya, Chairman, Japan Habba Organizing Committee, said; “Japan Habba has been conducted in Bangalore from 2005, and every year it gives the Organizing Committee great pleasure to introduce new facets of Japanese culture to the Indian audience. We are also extremely proud to be hosting the tenth edition of Japan Habba and are grateful for the support we have received from the Japanese community and the tireless work of all the volunteers over the years, whose efforts have ensured a successful Habba every year.”
Besides Taiko, Japan Habba 2014 will also see some short Japanese plays, demonstrations of Japanese martial arts like Judo, Kendo and Aikido; Bollywood dance by Japanese ladies and children; performances of Japanese songs, and so on. In fact Aikido, a Japanese martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba as a synthesis of his martial arts studies, philosophy, and religious beliefs, will be demonstrated by Mr. Nobuaki Yamamoto Consul & Head of the Consulate of Japan, Bangalore.
Other event highlights include Japanese tea ceremony; Kimono wearing; Demonstrations of Origami and Kirigami; Calligraphy; Caricature; Plays; Kanji Mehendi; Ikebana, Anime with Cosplay; Various Stalls, Food courts and much more.
The event is open to all and entry is free.
Venue: Mount Carmel Girls College Campus, No. 58, Palace Road, Vasant Nagar, Bangalore.
Date: February 23, 2014
Timing: 10am to 5.30pm
About Japan Habba
Japan Habba has been conducted every year in Bangalore since 2005 with the aim of promoting Indo-Japanese relations and creating an opportunity for people to know more about Japan, get together, have fun and experience oriental culture.
