I had had so much fun yesterday. This is a Japanese festival that had gotten a heart-warming support from the local society. One of the festivals which you can't afford to loose... Well, here are the reasons:
- this happens once a year (with undetermined location).
- this year it took place inside Monas (the National Museum), so it was really strategic! :)
- there were so many attractive and unique people walking around with confidence (where else you can paint your face, use colorful wig, or carry a samurai on your back?)
- there were many Japanese food, toys, souvenirs, and games
- there was a chance for you to hook up with a beautiful Japanese women in their yukata. Also, typical slim Japanese guys who wore rattan hat.
Still not enough reason? How about a jazz performance and a traditional Omikoshi (神輿) parade just like it was in Japan? Well, I wasn't expecting to meet them all, but apparently they were all there! It was absolutely an all-out closing festival. I kinda felt touched when I observe the relationship that's been built between Indonesia and Japan. Despite the short colonial era, I think Japan has left its root in Indonesia more than we realized. There are so many Indonesians who love Japanese language (including myself), and learn its culture with so much enthusiasm. On the other hand, Japan has been trying to facilitate Indonesia, by providing different scholarship and cultural programs. Honestly, not even the Dutch had done that (some may say "redeem" or whatever, but the truth is this is a different generation, so I don't think it's fair to say that). All of that was done to create a mutual relationship, which become a loving relationship. I saw one Indonesian lady wearing a veil, who was joining other elder women in mochi-making process. After the gents were hitting the mochi rice with big wood hammer, the rice was finally being rolled into flour and mix with different ganishes. The Indonesian lady was talking to the women in Japanese, when suddenly she got a gentle tap on her back. A Japanese man of her age asked in Bahasa, "Sudah selesai?" (Have you finished yet?) and she answered, "Baru mulai" (It's just started). I was smiling seeing their interaction; and I could tell that they were husband and wife. What do you think? :)
I hope more and more festivals like this will be held in Indonesia. Not just Jakarta, but a roadshow would be great. I remember how I've always found it difficult to keep up with cultural events when I was living in Surabaya. Well, I guess the rest is up to the government, but for this one I will give salute *bow in Japanese way* and say "doumo arigatou gozaimashita".
- this happens once a year (with undetermined location).
- this year it took place inside Monas (the National Museum), so it was really strategic! :)
- there were so many attractive and unique people walking around with confidence (where else you can paint your face, use colorful wig, or carry a samurai on your back?)
- there were many Japanese food, toys, souvenirs, and games
- there was a chance for you to hook up with a beautiful Japanese women in their yukata. Also, typical slim Japanese guys who wore rattan hat.
Still not enough reason? How about a jazz performance and a traditional Omikoshi (神輿) parade just like it was in Japan? Well, I wasn't expecting to meet them all, but apparently they were all there! It was absolutely an all-out closing festival. I kinda felt touched when I observe the relationship that's been built between Indonesia and Japan. Despite the short colonial era, I think Japan has left its root in Indonesia more than we realized. There are so many Indonesians who love Japanese language (including myself), and learn its culture with so much enthusiasm. On the other hand, Japan has been trying to facilitate Indonesia, by providing different scholarship and cultural programs. Honestly, not even the Dutch had done that (some may say "redeem" or whatever, but the truth is this is a different generation, so I don't think it's fair to say that). All of that was done to create a mutual relationship, which become a loving relationship. I saw one Indonesian lady wearing a veil, who was joining other elder women in mochi-making process. After the gents were hitting the mochi rice with big wood hammer, the rice was finally being rolled into flour and mix with different ganishes. The Indonesian lady was talking to the women in Japanese, when suddenly she got a gentle tap on her back. A Japanese man of her age asked in Bahasa, "Sudah selesai?" (Have you finished yet?) and she answered, "Baru mulai" (It's just started). I was smiling seeing their interaction; and I could tell that they were husband and wife. What do you think? :)
I hope more and more festivals like this will be held in Indonesia. Not just Jakarta, but a roadshow would be great. I remember how I've always found it difficult to keep up with cultural events when I was living in Surabaya. Well, I guess the rest is up to the government, but for this one I will give salute *bow in Japanese way* and say "doumo arigatou gozaimashita".
2 comments:
great review, coolz :)
they also have japanese cultural events in Surabaya. a lot of them!!! i'm surprised that u dont know :p
so i think the events are everywhere already. it's just not well socialized :)
hehe, thx, Moet :) you know i didn't update myself with japanese cultural events back then. But, well, better late than never, right?
How are you? Hope you're well wherever you are (with Iki and your hubby, of cuz) ^^
Thx for visiting.
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