Oscar-winning song NATU NATU, Japanese Ryukyuan classical music emerged star attraction at Japan Habba Bangalore  

BANGALORE:  Having created history worldwide, the Indian award-winning song Natu-Natu created the much-required buzz at the Japan Habba 2023 in Bangalore where a special performance by Tomokuni Terukina, a Ryukyuan classical musician was a special attraction for the Japan-loving Indian audience on May 14. Terukina – a Sanshin artist/master from the Ryukyu classic Afuso-ryu Musical school came to Bangalore, all the way from Okinawa, Japan.

Audience along with the stage performers danced to the tunes of the song Naatu Naatu from the hit Telugu-language film RRR, which has made history by becoming the first Indian film song to win an Oscar. On the other hand, Tomokuni Terukina – Ryukyuan Classical Musician was the star attraction during the 2-day show. The art of playing the Sanshin has been traditionally passed down from generation to generation. Terukina learnt the Sanshin from his father, late Choichi Terukina, a Sanshin grandmaster and who held the title “Living National Treasure of Japan”. Sanshin (三線) is an essential musical instrument in Ryukyuan performing arts and precursor of the mainland Japanese shamisen (三味線).

The highly anticipated Japanese cultural fare, Japan Habba, returned offline on May 13-14 in Bangalore. It was the 19th edition of the annual Indo-Japanese cultural extravaganza. The theme for Japan Habba 2023 was “不死⿃ (Phoenix) ~ Rising from the Ashes,” signifying the revival of the festival with a blend of exciting activities after a 2-year online stint due to the pandemic – with more engaging, fun, and informative sessions.

Organized by a committee of voluntary enthusiasts of Japanese language and culture, this event is the largest of its kind in the country. Owing to this, it is supported by governmental agencies of repute, such as the Consulate-General of Japan in Bengaluru, Japan Foundation, and the Japan External Trade Organization. Japan Habba brings together 6000+ dedicated enthusiasts of Japanese traditional culture and various subcultures under a single roof.

Some of the major sponsors included Japan Airlines, TOTO, Formula Group, Accenture, Toyota Kirloskar, and others.

This year, Japan Habba was held over two days: starting with the Tech & Jobs Fair on May 13, 2023 (Saturday). For students and professionals interested in pursuing a career with Japanese connections, this event featured talks by eminent professionals, and a job fair catering to job seekers.

The cultural Japan Habba event took place on May 14, 2023 (Sunday). At Japan Habba, visitors immersed themselves in Japanese culture by participating in activities such as Chanoyu (the traditional Japanese tea ceremony), trying on a Yukata (summer kimonos), practicing Japanese calligraphy, witnessing Ikebana (flower arrangement), exploring Origami, and enjoying Japanese product and food booths that offer a taste of Japan.

Tsutomu Nakane, the Consul General of Japan to India, shared his thoughts, “Japan Habba is the largest India-Japan cultural exchange event in Bengaluru, held annually for the last 19 years. Japan and India have historically maintained a close relationship, and Japan Habba provides a platform for Indians and Japanese to share culture and history.”

“Indians can deepen their knowledge of Japan through a variety of cultural events and performances. This year’s Japan Habba will be held at the venue for the first time in two years. All necessary COVID-19 precautions are taken to ensure your safety at the venue,” Nakane added.

Aside from cultural experiences, attendees also joined language workshops or compete in various contests and won prizes, such as karaoke, origami, extempore speech, seiza,  Japanese kanji-writing and more.

Anime fans had the opportunity to engage in India’s largest anime quiz, shop for anime merchandise, meet 50+ cosplayers, and participated in other contests and sessions. This year also served as the debut for e-sports at Japan Habba, with events catering to fans both the FGC-favorite Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and the hit mobile game Pokémon Go.