The 11th Japan Day, held at Stellenbosch University on 23 November 2024, was a showcase of the depth and breadth of Japanese culture, custom and lifestyle. The event, co-hosted for the first time by Stellenbosch University Japan Centre (SUJC) and the Office of Consul of Japan in Cape Town, gave visitors opportunity to discover Japan’s rich and distinctive traditions and to sample various aspects of Japanese arts and cuisine.
The programme included bonsai and kimono exhibitions, ikebana and martial arts demonstrations and workshops on the Japanese language and tea ceremony. Art styles such as mokuhanga (Japanese woodblock printing) and origami (Japanese paper folding) were also featured and visitors could participate in expert-led demonstrations. In all, more than 30 cultural groups, vendors and artists participated in this year’s festival, treating the more than 2,000 visitors to the full spectrum of Japanese cultural goods as well as food and drink. Proving particularly popular was the martial arts demonstrations from regional and local dojo with schools in karate, kyudo (Japanese archery) and kenjutsu (Japanese swordmanship) represented. Another major drawcard was the cosplay competition and parade, which entertained visitors with the range of well-known anime and manga characters ‘in attendance’. Arguably most popularly appealing, was the group of Shiba inu (Japanese dogs) which drew throngs to their pen.
In his welcoming remarks, Mr. Masahiro Katamoto, Consul of Japan, noted the value of cultural festivals such as Japan Day to bridge South African and Japanese communities. He expressed his hope that visitors would take the opportunity to learn about Japan and her people. Prof. Scarlett Cornelissen, director of SUJC, noted the significance of Stellenbosch University being the site for the festival, building on a history of prior festivals held in the Winelands, as well as a growing collaborative relationship with the Office of the Consul of Japan.
Japan Day offered visitors familiar with Japanese culture an opportunity to enjoy their niche interests, while others were introduced to the richness of the culture and are now keen followers.
