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| The Pantura Japan Kansai Community celebrated its 3rd anniversary by holding an Indonesian cultural arts performance, on Sunday (13/10). (Doc. Pewarta.co.id) |
Kansai, Pewarta.co.id – On Sunday, October 13, 2024, the Pantura Japan Kansai community commemorated its 3rd anniversary with a lively celebration. The event was filled with joy and attended by hundreds of Indonesian music and culture enthusiasts.
Held in the Kansai district, the celebration succeeded in bringing the essence of the homeland to Japan by showcasing various arts and cultural performances from the northern coast (Pantura) of West Java, particularly from Indramayu. The festive atmosphere captivated not only the Indonesian residents but also the local Japanese community, who were intrigued by the rich cultural heritage of the Indonesian archipelago.
The event featured musical performances by Trewedo Band, Skansai Band, and the tarling singer from Pantura, who entertained the crowd with the distinctive rhythms reminiscent of the Pantura region.
However, the highlight of the day was the presentation of two traditional dances from Indramayu, namely the Tari Topeng (Mask Dance) and Tari Buta (Demon Dance). These performances brought a deep cultural experience to the audience, embedding traditional Indonesian arts into the heart of modern-day Japan.
The Tari Topeng, with its colorful costumes and unique masks, depicted classic stories rich in meaning. The dance mesmerized the audience with its graceful movements and symbolic storytelling, which form a vital part of Indonesia’s cultural heritage.
Spectators were enthralled by how the mask characters conveyed different emotions and expressions, providing the Japanese audience with a fresh perspective on traditional art.
Equally captivating, the Tari Buta impressed the crowd with its dynamic and powerful movements. This dance, which represents strength and struggle in Indramayu’s culture, was performed with costumes that embodied the mystical and energetic elements of the Buta character.
The performance created a mystical atmosphere full of meaning, introducing traditional Indonesian art to a Japanese audience who had never before witnessed such a display.
The Chairperson of Pantura Japan Kansai expressed profound gratitude to all members and supporters of the community who had worked hard to make the event a success.
He emphasized the importance of preserving Pantura culture, especially tarling and Indramayu’s traditional arts, among the Indonesian diaspora living in Japan.
"We hope that the culture of Pantura and Indramayu’s traditional arts will continue to thrive and gain wider recognition in Japan and internationally," said an official statement received by the media on Monday, October 14, 2024.
This anniversary event also served as a reunion for Indonesians in Japan who longed for a taste of home.
In addition to the artistic performances, the event offered a variety of Pantura’s traditional dishes, creating a warm and communal atmosphere.
Visitors enjoyed the food while mingling and reminiscing about their homeland, providing a chance to share stories and memories.
For the past three years, Pantura Japan Kansai has become an important platform for Indonesian expatriates to maintain and promote their cultural heritage in Japan.
Events like this not only strengthen the sense of unity within the community but also serve as a means to introduce Indonesia’s cultural richness to the international audience.
"With this spirit of togetherness, we are committed to continuing the preservation of Indonesian culture abroad," added the Chairperson of Pantura Japan Kansai in his closing remarks.
Overall, this year’s anniversary celebration was more than just a regular event. It marked a significant moment in the effort to sustain and spread Indonesian culture in Japan.
The traditional dances and music showcased provided the audience with a deeper understanding of Indonesia’s cultural wealth, further strengthening the cultural ties between the two nations.
