Bridging cultural differences

Bridging cultural differences between Japan & New Zealand for 50 years         

3rd September 2010

For Immediate Release

Year 2010 marks the 50th Anniversary of The New Zealand Japan Society of Auckland Inc.

The Society was established by the then Japanese Ambassador to New Zealand and local businessmen in Auckland 50 years ago. “New Zealanders were becoming conscious of the importance of getting to know some of our interesting and progressive neighbours in the Pacific. Hundreds were visiting Japan annually,” says Stephen Duxfield, Chairperson of NZJSA.

The Society's activities have been of a social nature. Activities such as picnics and sightseeing provided educational information and a means of contact between New Zealanders and Japanese people. The society also provided opportunities for various cultural exchanges.

Over the past few years the Society’s main event, Taste of Japan has developed into a major annual cultural festival, showcasing Japanese culture in Auckland. Three world class acts from Japan and Australia will come to Auckland to mark the 50th Anniversary. The Fuga-Shakuhachi group from Fukuoka; Koto player Akiko Yamaguchi and Shodo artist Yasuhisa Kohara from Chiba and Fujima Senyo (Japanese Dancer) based in Sydney.

“It is a privilege to see Mr and Mrs Kubo again as they have supported Taste of Japan for four years now.” Mr Duxfield said. “They pay their own way from Japan every year because they believe in the event and desire to promote Japanese culture in New Zealand. They are talented Shakuhachi musicians, a simple bamboo flute that creates nostalgic Japanese music and in a sense ‘conveys’ the audience to Japan.”

“This year we are pleased to bring Mr Yasuhisa Kohara to demonstrate Shodo as well,” says Mrs Kumiko Imai-Duxfield, Vice President of NZJSA and Event Manager of Taste of Japan. “Mr Kohara passionately shares and teaches the art of Shodo, Japanese calligraphy.” Mrs Imai-Duxfield continues, “His work captures people’s hearts, being simple, yet dynamic and beautiful.”

NZJS’s own Haere Mai Taiko drummers were established six years ago from scratch and have been a regular at Taste of Japan. This multicultural Auckland based group was built on passion and strong team bonding, and they use taiko drums to share the passion and spirit of Japan. They will provide official entertainment at the Rugby World Cup 2011.

New Zealand Japan Society of Auckland Inc will celebrate its 50th Anniversary with all New Zealanders as spring begins in Auckland. Come along and we'll walk you through a unique time from Oshougatsu (New Year) through to Oomisoka (End of Year).

Event: Taste of Japan 2010

Time and Date: 10am – 4pm, Saturday 25th September 2010

Venue: Logan Campbell Centre, ASB Showgrounds, Greenlane
 

ENDS

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