As part of the activities to mark the Japanese-CARICOM Friendship Year 2024, patrons were exposed to Japanese culture through Jiutami (song dance) and musical performances on the Koto, at the Walled Garden Theatre, The Garrison, St. Michael, last Saturday.
The event was attended by several government officials and diplomats. These included the President of Barbados, The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason; Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Kerrie Symmonds; Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office with responsibility for Culture, Senator Dr. Shantal Munro-Knight; Japan’s Ambassador to Barbados, Kayoko Fukushima, and Canada’s High Commissioner to Barbados, Lilian Chatterjee.
Minister Symmonds told the attendees that the Barbados-Japan nexus has been characterised by a close and active relationship, strengthened with collaboration in the areas of energy and disaster risk reduction, information and communication technologies, and capacity-building programmes offered by Japan’s international cooperation agency.
He emphasised that Japan has demonstrated support, particularly in issues related to small island developing states, climate change and disaster risk management and mitigation, and extended gratitude for the assistance provided over the years.
“Japan has been a reliable partner, and Japan has been a constant ally in our development. And Ambassador, on behalf of a grateful nation, I want to use this opportunity to say to you that the relationship is very, very important to us and that we pledge not only in Barbados but by extension in CARICOM to continue to work closely with the Government and people of Japan in the interest of shared cooperation on mutually important matters in the interest of our people,” Mr. Symmonds stated.
Ambassador Fukushima noted that despite the geographic distance, Japan and Barbados have deepened their relationship over the years, grounded by common values and “emboldened” by the desire to tackle common challenges, such as climate change and natural disasters.
She said it was her pleasure to share a piece of Japanese culture as she had grown fond of Barbadian culture since her posting began in 2022.
“I am especially pleased to showcase the traditional Japanese dance and music performances because much like Barbados, music and dance are a focal point of Japanese culture. During my time in Barbados, I have grown fond of Barbadian music and dance, for the wit of calypso songs and the ingenuity of landship performances, both capture the rich heritage of this country.
“The universality of the arts truly transcends linguistic barriers and boundaries, and it is my sincere hope that this evening provides you with the opportunity to enjoy and better understand Japanese culture and further our nations’ strong bond,” Ambassador Fukushima stated.
During the evening, two Jiutamai performances entitled ‘Kanegamisaki’ and ‘Yamauba‘ were performed by Tokijyo Hanasaki and Kaname Hanasaki, while Shogo Hiyoshi performed an instrumental piece on the 13-stringed Koto instrument entitled ‘Isuzugawa – Matsuri no Taiko’.
This year marks 30 years since the 1st Japan-CARICOM consultation and the 57th anniversary of established diplomatic relations between Japan and Barbados. Barbados and Japan established diplomatic relations on August 29, 1967.