Asian Cartoon Exhibition Opens
By Lyna Mohamad

Bandar Seri Begawan - The 11th Asian Cartoon exhibition was yesterday officially opened by guest of honour Pg Setia Negara Pg Hj Mohd Yusof Pg Hj Abd Rahim, who is the Honorary Patron of the Brunei-Japan Friendship Association and Honourable Adviser to the Brunei Association of Japan Alumni.

Organised by the Japan Embassy and Japan Foundation, the event will run for two weeks at the Brunei Museum.

Annually held by the Japan Foundation ever since 1995, the expo uses friendly cartoons to introduce to Asian societies, the cultures and ways of life from various perspectives.

This year the exhibition carries the theme `Asian Youth Culture.'

In his welcoming speech, Japanese Ambassador to Brunei Hashimoto Itsuo revealed that this year sees local Bruneian cartoonists displaying their works at the expo. The local artworks are by Rahim Jahit, popularly known as 'Cuboi,' and UBD students.

"The origins of Japanese Manga dates back to as early as the 12th century. Choujyugiga, which is considered a masterpiece consisting of four volumes of paper scrolls, depicts animals with human characteristics," he said.

He further pointed out that over time; although comics and anime derived from Manga have evolved, they still share the Japanese sense of humour that everyone appreciates.

Each of the cartoonists from 10 Asian countries has imbued their works with a unique sense of humour and satire that is expected to be amusing and insightful for the Asian society, culture and lifestyle.

"I believe this exhibition will promote the cultural understanding and diversity of Asian countries and that this will help strengthen relations among Asian, countries. I hope this exhibition will provide the opportunity to promote further the ‘Manga culture’ in Brunei."

He also encouraged Bruneian cartoonists to take up the challenge and submit their works to various international Manga contests in Japan. He hopes that in the future there will be many Bruneians who bring back the first prize trophy.

Among the many guests yesterday were Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Hj Ahmad Hj Abd Rahman, Museum Acting Director Bantong Antaran, Japan Foundation (Kuala Lumpur) Director Masaya Shimoyama, and foreign diplomats to the country.

Featuring 11 leading cartoonists from 11 countries - Brunei, Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, China and India - the expo showcases artworks depicting youth culture in the respective nations.  -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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