Bangladeshi troupe performs in Awa Odori Fest in Japan
DL desk
A 16-member dance team from Bangladesh participated in the Awa Odori Festival recently in Tokushima, Japan. The team was invited by the Festival Committee in association with the Japan Embassy in Bangladesh. Maruhisa Pacific Co. Ltd., a reputed Japanese garment manufacturer operating in Japan, Thailand and Bangladesh, lent its support as the sponsor to Bangladesh troupe. The dance form dates back to 1587 and now the festival is the seasonal delight of Tokushima, when the entire city resounds with music and dance. Noted cultural personality Ramendu Majumdar led the Bangladesh troupe, while the choreography was done by Kabirul Islam Ratan. Bangladesh team gave four performances the first one being at the welcome party hosted by Kiminobu Hiraishi, Chairman of Maruhisa. Before the performance, Masud bin Momen, Bangladesh Ambassador in Japan, Shiro Sadoshima, Ambassador of Japan in Thailand and previously in Bangladesh, Hiraishi and Ramendu Majumdar among others, addressed the gathering.
The second performance was at the NHK special stage in collaboration with Heiwa-ren dancers which was telecast live. This was followed by another performance at Awa-Kanko hotel in the Chamber of Commerce meeting.
The final performance in two phases was at the Festivals main venue where five thousand spectators highly lauded the Bangladesh dancers. The delegation also met the Mayors of Tokushima city and Naruto city and the Governor of Tokushima prefecture. During these courtesy calls, both sides emphasised on more cultural exchanges between Bangladesh and Japan.
