Organized by the Embassy of Japan in Dushanbe, Japanese cultural fair "JAPAN DAYS" is taking place at Ismaili Center in Dushanbe from March 4-6.

Japanese cultural fair in Tajikistan, supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan, the Ministry of Culture of Tajikistan, the Committee for Youth, Sports and Tourism Affairs under the Government of Tajikistan, JICA and AAR Japan will be an admission-free event with a variety of demonstrations and exhibitions on cultures and traditions of Japan.

The two-day “JAPAN DAYS” will contain the following events:

On Saturday March 4, “JAPAN DAYS” begins at 10:00am with origami workshop conducted by a leading origami artist Ms. Zohreh Bahrololumi.  There will also be booths for visitors to try on traditional Japanese garment, yukata, and play with wooden-made traditional toys.  At 12:30pm demonstration of ikebana, the art of flower arrangement will be performed by a master of Japanese traditional arts Ms. Midori Yamada.

In the afternoon, Opening Ceremony will be followed by Concert of Japanese Instruments which will take place from 2:00pm.  Ms. Natalia Grigorovich and Ms. Tatiana Kostareva, musicians from the Moscow Conservatory, will perform to create melodious afternoon.

Simultaneously, there will be film-screening sessions, featuring recent Japanese movie “After the Flowers”.

For tea lovers Japanese Tea Ceremony will be arranged at 3:30 pm, a master of sado “the art of Japanese tea preparation and serving” will demonstrate Japanese tea ceremony for creating a serene moment.

On Sunday March 5, the second day of the “JAPAN DAYS,” multiple events will again simultaneously take place throughout the day.  At 10:00 am, there will be Concert of Japanese Instruments.

From 12:00 pm, an exciting mochi-making event will take place.  Mochi is a type of traditional Japanese rice cake made of steamed rice.  Simultaneously, there will be Traditional Japanese mosaic woodwork Yosegi zaiku demonstration conducted by Japanese master Mr. Eiji Shinoda.

Then at 2:00pm an electrifying Budo Demonstration begins.  Experts from the federations of judo, aikido, karate, sumo, kudo, new full contact karate, and kyokushin-karate in Tajikistan will demonstrate different styles of Japanese martial arts.

Next, a charming Kimono Fashion Show, and then traditional Japanese dance Awa-Odori show will take place. This unique Awa-Odori dance hails from Shikoku island of Japan. Performers led by Japanese Awa-Odori masters will demonstrate refined movements while also inviting visitors to join in the dancing.

The eventful two days of the “JAPAN DAYS” will serve as an opportunity to demonstrate friendship between Tajikistan and Japan, and give great opportunity for all visitors to enjoy cultures and traditions of Japan in lively atmosphere.