I’m so excited, and I just can’t hide it, that’s right, this weekend is the Japanese Cultural Expo! It shall be at the Brooklyn Mall in Pretoria and I don’t care if it’s an hour’s drive away, I am going! Not all three days, which upsets me because that means I will be missing out on some stuff on Friday but at least I can make Saturday and Sunday.

Along with everything promised in the programme below, they will be displaying:

• Samurai Armor
• Japanese Arts
• Japanese Wedding Gowns
• Hina Matsuri – Dolls festival
• And more!

The Expo Programme:

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The Screening Programme:

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I am so excited for the anime screenings in the actual movie theatres. I can not wait to experience it honestly. I was saving up to go and watch it, only to learn that, entrance is free! Unfortunately, you can’t pre-book tickets. I understand why and I doubt they will ‘sell-out’ but I kinda wanna secure my seat.

Please note, all images in this post are sourced from the Events Facebook Page

Expo Programme Breakdown:

Cosplay

A cosplayer picks a character that they want to bring to life. Whether it is because they like the character, like the clothing the character wears or just the pure desire to make something. The characters chosen to be cosplayed may be sourced from any movie, TV series, book, comic book, video game, or music band anime and manga characters.

Once the cosplayer knows which character they are going to cosplay, they then put a lot of time, effort and money into bringing the character to life.

Ikebana

Ikebana is the Japanese art of flower arrangement.

It is also known as Kadō. The tradition dates back to the 7th century when floral offerings were made at altars. Later, they were placed in the tokonoma of a home.

Participating schools of Ikebana:

• Ikenobo
• Ohara
• Sogetsu

Iaido

Iaidō, abbreviated with iai, is a Japanese martial art that emphasizes being aware and capable of quickly drawing the sword and responding to a sudden attack.

Judo

Judo, “the gentle way”, was created in 1882 by Jigoro Kano, and has evolved as a martial art into a combat and Olympic sport. Its objective is to throw or take down one’s opponent and subdue them with a pin, a joint lock or a choke. In judo, the key to this is using the opponent’s own force against them.

Kendo

Kendo is a traditional Japanese martial art, which descended from swordsmanship and uses bamboo swords and protective armour. Today, it is widely practised within Japan and many other nations across the world.

Kyudo

Kyūdō is the Japanese martial art of archery. Experts in kyūdō are referred to as kyūdōka. Kyūdō is based on kyūjutsu, which originated with the samurai class of feudal Japan. Kyūdō is practised by thousands of people worldwide.

Karate

Karate is a martial art developed in the Ryukyu Kingdom. It developed from the indigenous Ryukyuan martial arts under the influence of Chinese Kung Fu, particularly Fujian White Crane.

Koto & Odori Dance

Koto – The koto is a Japanese stringed musical instrument derived from the Chinese zheng, and similar to the Mongolian yatga, the Korean gayageum, and the Vietnamese đàn tranh. The koto is the national instrument of Japan. Koto are about 180 centimetres long and made from Kiri wood.

Odori Dance – a Japanese traditional dance. Mai and Odori are the two main groups of Japanese dances. Odori has more vigorous stepping movements and is more energetic than Mai. 

Japanese Food Demonstration

• Chef Katsuhiko Miyamoto from Miya’s Sushi will be demonstrating the making of sushi on Friday, 1 March.
• Minister Counselor and Deputy Head of Mission Shuichiro Kawaguchi will be demonstrating Japanese cuisine (washoku) on Saturday, 2 March.

I am guessing…

Japanese Sword Etiquette

I am assuming this is going to be a show on how to handle the sword properly – not how to use it, but to have manners with it.

Bonsai

I think this will be a display of various bonsai and I hope there will be people with actual knowledge and know how available for me to pick their brains. It would be even better if they have a talk or mini-workshop available.

I am now so hyped for this weekend, making plans and wondering if there is any way I can somehow make it there tomorrow. I do not wish to miss the Ikenobo ikebana school. Nor do I want to miss the cosplayers and their cosplay!

Okay, I am seriously suffering Fear-Of-Missing-Out right now! I also have a slight issue with the overlap of the movie screening with some of the events…Nothing I can do about it but find a way to balance it out I suppose.