Japanese Cultural Performance by Japanese Artists at Panjab University
Chandigarh, January 16, 2025: Japanese Artists today showcased a mesmerizing Japanese cultural performance at Panjab University. The event, which showcased traditional Japanese art forms, was organised by the Department of Ancient Indian History, Culture & Archaeology. The event was attended by students, faculty, and research scholars from across the university.
Earlier, the program began with a live demonstration of Japanese Calligraphy by Ms. T. Hashimoto, who demonstrated the intricate art of brush-ink writing, offering attendees a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Japan. This was followed by a stunning group performance of Tamasudare, a traditional Japanese dance form dating back to the Edo period. The performance featured four Japanese artists – Mr. Y. Hashimoto, Mr. T. Hashimoto, Mr. Y. Kaburagi, and Ms. K. Nakajima – who skillfully transformed bamboo instruments into various shapes while performing rhythmic chants in a captivating display of coordination and artistry.
The event was graced by the presence of Professor Simrit Kahlon, Dean Students Welfare (Women), Panjab University, as the chief guest. An interactive session with the performers followed, providing an opportunity for students and faculty to engage in an enriching dialogue about the history and significance of Japanese cultural practices.
Later, the Japanese delegation met the PU Vice Chancellor Prof. Renu Vig at her office. Appreciating the performance by the Japanese artists at PU Campus, Prof. Vig remarked, ‘Such interactions are incredibly valuable for our students, as they provide a unique opportunity to experience and engage with diverse cultures. These cultural exchanges not only broaden their horizons but also foster global understanding and collaboration.’
In her welcome address, Professor Paru Bal Sidhu, Chairperson of the Department of Ancient Indian History, Culture & Archaeology, highlighted that the event aimed to create stronger cultural ties between India and Japan. She expressed the department’s commitment to fostering inter-cultural dialogues and building bridges between the two great civilizations.
The event was made possible through the collaborative efforts of Professor Sidhu and Panjab University alumnus Dr. Kaburagi Yoshihiro, who completed his post-graduation and Ph.D. in the department. Dr. Kaburagi, who is an advocate for Indo-Japanese relations, played a pivotal role in organizing the event. His doctoral research focused on “Ancient Indian Influence on Japanese Culture: A Comparative Study of Civilizations.”
The Japanese performance was met with enthusiastic appreciation from the attendees and was hailed as an outstanding example of cultural diplomacy, strengthening the bonds of friendship between India and Japan.
