An Evening with Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan: The Land of Mt. Fuji-Musical Concert: (Performance of contemporary instrumental music, drums, Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremonyand Enkasinging was held at Multipurpose Hall in IIC, New Delhi)

Shizuoka Food: The Pinnacle of Mount Fuji Cuisine -Japanese Dinner for IIC Members (Dining Hall and Private Dining Hall in IIC, New Delhi)

Description:

In recent years, India Japan relationship has undergone a qualitative shift as the economic relations between India and Japan are rapidly developing in the new era. Under these circumstances, cultural relations have become better and stronger as we also have common historical and cultural ties, which form the foundation of our friendship over 1500 years.

It is expected that a friendly relationship will be further strengthened through such cultural events so that mutual exchanges in various multi-faceted levels and fields will be deepened and greater understanding will be promoted.

With the aim to encourage cultural inflow between India and Japan, promote people to people contact and better understanding of Japan in India SWYAA-India and IJ Kakehashi co-organized a special event of Japanese drums, music and cuisine of Shizuoka prefecture in collaboration with the India International Centre(IIC) to celebrate the cultural bond and friendship between our two countries on Thursday 25th October, 2018.

This event was conceptualized with the guidance of former Indian Ambassador to Japan Ambassador DeepaGopalanWadhwa. The event was launched by Air Marshal (Retd.) Mr. NareshVerma Director India and International Centre, New Delhi. A total of 231 members of IIC and their guests registered and participated in this event which was also graced by Former Indian Ambassadors to Japan, Ambassador ArjunAsrani, Ambassador Aftab Seth and Ambassador Madhava Chandra.

The team of restaurateurs and chefs from Shizuoka prefecture who took part in the performance and preparation of the Japanese cuisine were:Mr. Shigeo Sugiyami, Chef Gelato Specialist/ Percussionist, Owner of Giardino restaurant; Mr. ToshikatsuHatada, owner of Hatada Farms; Mr. Shinji Isoda, Tuna fish specialist and owner of Minami Fish restaurant; Ms. Miho Iida, owner of live bar ‘Gajah’ / Percussionist and Takashi Kamiya, Sushi Chef and owner of Sushi bar ‘Yasouya’.

The Japanese traditional Tea ceremony was conducted by Yuka-san and Mala-san and the contemporary and famous musical band ‘ Chizai’ lead by Mr. Sultan Khan.

Enka and Minyo songs were presented bySarbjit Singh Chadha is a famous singer of Japanese Enka and Minyosongs, who is said to be the first non-Japanese enka singer. He gained popularity via the Japanese television program Kinyō 10 Ji: Uwasa no Channel. He debuted as an Enka singer with the single "Omokage no Hito" under JVC in 1975. The single reportedly sold over 100,000 copies.

The event was a great success and everyone expressed their admiration for the Japanese culture and cuisine. The guests relished the Japanese cuisine of Shizuoka prefecture and appreciated the efforts of the Chefs from Japan for showcasing the wonderful skills.