ISLAND Plaza was abuzz with excitement recently as the Japanese Fair drew to a close.

The one-week fair, that was aimed at promoting Japan’s rich culture, drew shoppers, curious visitors as well as Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) residents together in a celebration of dance, colour and art.

Women of all ages (and some men) gathered around a kimono-trying station that allowed visitors to don on the colourful, lavish garments for a fee. Dressed in an orange ‘furisode’ (a formal Japanese kimono for ladies) was a visibly excited Crystal Teh, 16.

“I love Japanese culture! Aside from the books and the comics, there are so many interesting things about Japan, including their anime,” said the Penang Chinese Girls High School Form Four student.

MM2H resident Yamazaki Harumy, 69, adjusting a 'furisode' worn by Penang Chinese Girls High School student Crystal Teh, 16.

Teh, who started learning Japanese language about six months ago, said she had grabbed the chance to try on an authentic kimono when she found about the Japanese Fair through a flyer.

“I’ve been thinking about getting a kimono for myself, but they are very hard to find in Malaysia, and expensive as well,” she said, while posing for pictures with her family members.

Yamazaki Harumy, a MM2H resident and one of the helpers of the event, said the kimono-trying activity was to spread awareness to locals on Japanese culture.

“We want to promote Japanese culture and encourage people to try on the kimono,” Harumy, 69, said.

Also having a gala time was eight-year-old Lee Li who was sitting for a face drawing session with artist Saito Yoichi, 55.

It took just over five minutes for the skilled artist, who previously worked as a graphic designer for 27 years in Tokyo, to finish the drawing of the angel-faced SJK (C) Eok Hua student.

“I like it a lot. I’m going to put it in my bedroom,” Lee Li said.

The face drawing session, that was limited to children and re- quired a minimum RM1 donation, was aimed at raising funds for the Children’s Protection Society.

Several landscape paintings by Yoichi, a MM2H resident, were also on sale for the non-governmental organisation.

The Japanese Fair also showcased seve-ral traditional dance perfor-mances along with a kendo (Japanese sword-fighting) demonstration by the Penang Kendo Club.

Japanese-made house-hold applian-ces, drinks and foodstuff were also on sale.

The Pink Hi-biscus Club, a group of Japanese residents in Penang, also kicked off its weekly dance practices in preparation for the Penang Bon Odori Festival, traditionally held around July every year.

Source: http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2010/4/10/north/5951266&sec=North

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