| Numerous cultural events are organized
both in Jamaica and Japan, in an attempt to increase knowledge
about both countries; as well as strengthen awareness
of the diversity and similarity between Jamaican and Japanese
culture.
[Jamaican cultural events in Japan]
One of the most recent Japan-Jamaica cultural event
held in Japan was the “One Love Jamaica Festival”
held in late May at the city’s famous Yoyogi Park,
Tokyo, to celebrate the 40th years of diplomatic relations
between Jamaica and Japan. The popular Japanese reggae
band called ‘Home Grown’ provided the backing
music, while a procession of 22 amateur and semi-professional
singers belted out Bob Marley songs before the audience
and a panel of judges. This One Love Festival drew attention
to the growing people-to-people relations between the
two island nations, which are generally poles apart
in history and social structure.
Influential individuals and organizations from Jamaica
have visited Japan to participate in seminars and to
share aspects of our Jamaican culture.
There was the tour of the Stella Maris Dance Ensemble.
They performed in Okayama, Tokyo, Yokohama, and at the
Shinshu Iizuna Kogen Music Festival in Nagano. The tour
of the Ensemble was truly a cultural achievement. They
were able to introduce unique Jamaican artistic expressions
to the Japanese audience. The Susobana Elementary School
whom they formed a close relationship with since 1998
when Susobana Elementary was chosen to support the Jamaica’s
Bobsled team in the Nagano Winter Olympics, warmly greeted
the Stella Maris Ensemble.
Jamaica participated in other promotional events in
Japan such as the Caribbean Fiesta 2002 from August
2-11 in Osaka, the World Travel Fair 2002 in Yokohama
from Sept, 20-22, and the Banana Paper Exhibition from
Oct. 31 to Nov. 7 at the United Nations University Plaza
in Tokyo.
[Reggae music in Japan]
Reggae music, an internationally renowned music form
that was originated in Jamaica is especially popular
among the Japanese youth. Popular reggae shows and festivals
are held in Japan that highlights Japanese reggae artistes
as well as Jamaican artistes. One very popular reggae
festival is the “Reggae Japansplash”. This
reggae festival first appeared in 1985, and has over
the years welcomed some of reggaes brightest and upcoming
stars to Japan.
[Japanese cultural events in Jamaica]
Please see “Cultural Event”.
|
Bilateral
Relation | Cultural Exchange
