By Deogratias Mmana and Jimmy Chazama
Japanese culture and tradition came to the limelight on Saturday during celebrations marking Japan Day in Lilongwe. The event attracted families, students and cultural enthusiasts who relished activities such as calligraphy, traditional games and tea ceremony.
Japanese Ambassador to Malawi Yoichi Oya said Japan Day is part of Japan’s commitment to promoting peace, unity and friendship through cultural exchange.
“We are recreating Japanese culture here in Malawi so that participants can enjoy and experience it. This is a good showcase of peace and unity,” Oya said. He said Japan Day was also a platform for cementing the relationship between Malawi and Japan.
“Japan and Malawi have a win-win relationship. We support Malawi’s development and Malawi supports us in the international arena,” Oya said. University of Malawi Deputy Vice Chancellor Sunduzwayo Madise said he was happy to be part of the event, at which he made a paper crane.
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“They wrote my name in Japanese and gave me a piece of paper. I am going to frame it and hang it in my house. That is how meaningful it is,” Madise, who also participated in a tea ceremony, said. He hailed the Japanese for preserving their traditions and suggested that Malawi could hold a like event.
“Maybe we should have a Malawi Day, where we could showcase our food, traditional dances and attire. Every dish, dance and outfit has a story,” Madise said.
