October 24–25, 2024 (Thu–Fri)
Location: Indonesia University of Education, Bandung, Indonesia
I had the honor of participating in the Indonesia–Japan Cultural Exchange Festival held at the Indonesia University of Education in Bandung.
As part of the program, I delivered a lecture on “Japanese Art (Ukiyo-e)”.
Students from the Japanese Language Department kindly provided interpretation, and the audience listened attentively, nodding with great interest. I was told that many students love Japanese anime, and thanks to the interpreter’s guidance, we even sang an anime song (Doraemon) together, creating a fun and engaging atmosphere throughout the lecture.
The other participants who joined the festival also shared their expertise through various performances, including ikebana, calligraphy, singing, and cosplay. The energy of the students was incredible and continued late into the evening.
One of the most surprising and heartwarming moments was how familiar many students were with Japanese songs—especially anime songs. As soon as the intro music began, they would cheer and sing along enthusiastically. They were also able to understand and respond to speeches in Japanese.
On this occasion, I donated one of my Ukiyo-e Fortune Art pieces to the university and was honored with a certificate of appreciation during an award ceremony on stage.
My Ukiyo-e artwork has now traveled to another part of the world, creating new connections and bonds.
This was my first visit to Indonesia, and I was struck by the vibrant energy of daily life—from early morning to late at night. The event itself began as early as 7:00 AM, and by evening, it had grown into a city-wide festival, bustling with people until around 11:00 PM.
The Indonesia University of Education is one of the top institutions for teacher education in the country, with over 35,000 students. The students were polite, proactive, and full of life. Many expressed a strong fondness for Japan, and their friendliness left a lasting impression.
Visiting this place gave me new perspectives, unexpected opportunities, and meaningful connections for which I am truly grateful.
