Japanese, Kannada cultures come closer in Hubballi

When popular Kannada cine songs like 'Huttidare Kannada Nadalli Huttabeku' were sung with utmost involvement, not by a born Kannadiga, but by a Japanese, the audience there were had no other option but to be spellbound.

An almost similar wonder was experienced when local students presented Japanese songs and dance in Japanese attire itself. Like many engineering students, they might also have a dream to get their dream job at Tokyo, but getting familiar with the Japanese culture was no doubt an exciting experience for these students also.

It was not just about Kannada songs presented by a Japanese, and Japanese songs and dance presented by Kannadiga students. 'Japanotsava' held at the KLE Technological University (KLETU) in the City on Saturday had much more than a mere cultural exchange programme. It was also the occasion for 38 students of BE final year to celebrate the completion of their course to learn Japanese business conversion, along with an introduction to Japanese culture, which is part of language education.

At the Indo-Japan cultural event held on the occasion of the valedictory of the first batch of 50-hour Japanese business conversation course, JCSS Consulting Private Limited head (Japan Desk) Kazumasa Kuboki, a Japanese who has learnt Kannada, came closer to the hearts of North Karnataka people by singing Dr Rajkumar starrer 'Akasmika' film's 'Huttidare Kannada Nadalli Huttabeku' song which was shot in Hubballi itself. He also presented 'Ide Nadu Ide Bhashe', 'Prema Chandrama Kaige Siguvude', and 'Elliruve Manava Kaduva Roopasiye', which are also popular Kannada film songs.

KLETU students displayed the proximity with Japanese language and culture they have achieved during their course. Japanese song, Japanese dance, and ramp walk in traditional Japanese attire were the attractions. Outside the BT auditorium, the path was decorated with Japanese artefacts, and there were stalls on Japanese art forms like Origami, Shodo and Anime Cosplay, while Bonsai plants were also display. Visitors also had a chance to get their names written in Japanese language.

Inauguration

Earlier, at the inauguration of the event, Mr Kazumasa Kuboki stated that he developed interest in Indian languages and culture when he first visited India in 1968. "I am residing in Bengaluru since last 15 years, and I am learning Kannada, while I have become a Japanese-Kannadiga," he added.

Bengaluru-based Sakuraa Nihongo Resource Centre Director Ananthapadmanabhan noted that students who have engineering skills and Japanese language skills would be in great demand.

Psychiatrist Raveesh B N advised students to learn discipline, self-esteem, respect giving and development-oriented attitude from the Japanese.

KLETU Registrar B L Desai also spoke. Shivarudra Trust founder president G S Mahagaonkar, KLETU student welfare dean Sanjay Kotabagi, and others were present. Former MLA Chandrakanth Bellad, KCCI President Ramesh Patil, IMA office-bearer V B Nitali, and others were among the audience.