Treats of Asean-Japan Exchange
By Achong Tanjong

Oedo Sukeroku Taiko to perform at the Orchid Garden

A hive of activities, both fun and educational, which have been taking place at the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation Complex in the capital since May 13, 2003, will be held today for the last time. The exhibition of Japanese kites and spinning tops, for example, was organised by the Embassy of Japan and Japan Foundation in conjunction with Asean-Japan Exchange Year 2003 Programme.

It has been supported by Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and Brunei-Muara Kite Association.

In Brunei, kite-flying and top-spinning are popular traditional games, which are usually played in conjunction with the country's grand events, such as His Majesty's Birthday celebrations, for which a competition was organised.

Such pastimes have been even more popular in Japan for centuries. Today, there are probably more types of kite in Japan than in any other country in the world.

Many of them are very impressive due to their range of sizes and colours. They could usually be seen gliding through the air for special Japanese festivals.

According to the Asean-Japan Exchange Year 2003 Program Guide, spinning tops are on the same level, with around 1,000 different kinds of them made in Japan.

The designs vary from being simple to the elaborate with sizes going from a tiny 0.5mm to a huge 90cm.

A total of 88 colourful kites and 80 unique tops, all of them originating from a different prefecture and city in Japan, were displayed at the exhibition which will be closed today.

Others activities planned for this month include the Japanese drum performances at the Orchid Garden Hotel.

The one-hour and two-day shows will be on at 8pm and 3pm, beginning from May 21. They will feature "Oedo Sukeroku Taiko," one of the most renowned Japanese drumming groups in the world.

Other activities include a seminar on entrepreneurship in Brunei on May 24 at the Empire Hotel and Country Club, as organised by Embassy of Japan and Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources.

The seminar, which would be open to the public, will offer locals an invaluable opportunity of hearing stories that highlight Japanese success, providing incentives for existing and potential entrepreneurs.

The Asean-Japan Exchange Year 2003 will go on until December 2003.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin