Expo celebrates Indonesia-Japan ties

The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Tue, 11/04/2008 10:36 AM  |  City

AKIHABARA IN KEMAYORAN: Several Indonesian girls pose wearing costumes of Japanese anime characters during the 2008 Indonesia-Japan Expo in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta on Monday. Such activity, popularly known as cosplay, or costume play, is a trend both in Japan and worldwide. (JP/R. Berto Wedhatama)

As part of the celebration of 50 years of diplomatic relationships between Indonesia and Japan, the two countries have organized a cultural and business exhibition.

The 2008 Indonesia-Japan Expo, sponsored by Indonesian newspaper Kompas and Japanese economic daily Nikkei, will be held at the Jakarta International Expo in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta, until Nov. 9.

The event was opened Saturday by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and former Japanese prime minister Yasuo Fukuda.

"The expo is not just a business exposition, but will also exhibit interactive art and cultural works from the two nations," Kompas Gramedia CEO Agung Adiprasetyo said

"This expo will also serve as a means for students and expatriates to sit together and formulate a better future for both nations, chiming to its theme: 'Grow Together, Redefining a Better Tomorrow'."

Nikkei managing director Shiro Saito said the exhibition would provide more understanding between the two nations in the future.

"The synergy that is formed from the cultural interaction and collaboration between our nations will become an important base for building mutual understanding for a better future," he said.

The expo features a variety of events such as seminars, culture and art exhibitions and community meetings and gatherings. More than 100 participants from various Japanese companies, institutions and communities will take part in the expo.

One of the participants is the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which is funding the subway project in Jakarta.

The project will cost up to Rp 12 trillion (US$1billion), which is expected to be completed within 30 years. The Transportation Ministry is now conducting the project's preliminary design phase, and the preliminary constructions for the project are expected to begin next year.

The event also set out to appeal to a younger audience by providing entertainment shows such as Harajuku Street Competition. Harajuku is a Japanese style of mix-and-match clothing that has become a widely acclaimed style made famous by Japanese teenagers.

Manga (Japanese comics) fanatics will also enjoy the event, as the IJE will provide workshop and seminars. In the workshop, professional, amateur and budding new manga illustrators can share information, skills and knowledge.

The expo is one of many events held to commemorate the peace treaty made between the two countries on Jan. 20, 1958. (hdt)

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