What involves mind once you consider Japan? Advanced technology, wealthy culture, or perhaps each?
On Thursday, November 28, 2024, GNFI invited over 60 Kawan GNFI employees for the inaugural embassy visit to the Japanese Embassy in Jakarta!
This event is a collaboration between GNFI, Seasia and the Embassy of Japan. During this event, participants not only learned in regards to the latest Japanese technology, but in addition immersed themselves in customs which have grow to be an integral a part of the culture of the Land of the Rising Sun.
Discovering Japanese culture in on a regular basis life
During the event, participants learned about Japanese culture through a fascinating, interactive film. The film highlighted unique customs reminiscent of the usage of oshibori, a small wet towel used as a logo of Japanese hospitality (omotenashi).
Participants also learned in regards to the Japanese way of appreciating food, including modern food paper, a food preservation technology born from the spirit of reducing waste.
The video ended with an evidence of chopstick etiquette – an on a regular basis tool that’s governed by specific rules, reminiscent of the prohibition of transferring food from one set of chopsticks to a different or stabbing food with chopsticks. In Japan, chopsticks are even made by specialized craftsmen from fastidiously chosen wood, adding artistic value to this easy cultural tool.
In this regard, Kubo Ryutaro, Press Secretary of the Embassy of Japan in Indonesia, emphasized the importance of culture as a tool for mutual understanding. “When we understand the culture of others, we can understand their way of thinking,” he said.
Little-known curiosities related to Japanese culture
Did you recognize that the Japanese don’t eat sushi every single day?
During the interactive session of the Embassy Visit, Mr. Ryutaro revealed an interesting fact: Japanese people eat sushi more often on special occasions, reminiscent of certain celebrations. This adds a brand new perspective to the commonly held belief about Japanese food culture.
The equally exciting sharing session also sparked a discussion about “nasty food” – food that won’t look very appealing. One attendee, Gill, asked how Japan deals with such foods.
Ryutaro explained that the Japanese have a rule to profit from the whole lot, including ugly food. Instead of being thrown away, this food is sold at a cheaper price on platforms like Carousel or elsewhere.
Adding to this view, young Japanese diplomat Ken Furusawa stated, “Although not all Japanese, lots of us have a look at food for its dietary value quite than its appearance.
This statement reinforces the Japanese culture of prioritizing the functions and advantages of food over its appearance, a philosophy consistent with sustainable food management.
How do the Japanese perceive Indonesia?
Although Japanese culture is already highly regarded in Indonesia, how well-known is Indonesian culture in Japan?
Interestingly, although the influence of Indonesian culture just isn’t as widespread as that of other Southeast Asian countries reminiscent of Thailand and Vietnam, the potential for the event of Indonesian culture in Japan stays wide open.
Mr. Furusawa explained that the variety of Indonesian restaurants in Japan still lags far behind Thai and Vietnamese restaurants. However, the event of Indonesian arts and culture, reminiscent of traditional music and dance, is starting to draw more attention from the Japanese public. “There is still potential for further growth,” he added.
Mr. Ryutaro also revealed that Indonesian culture has begun to permeate Japanese society through various media. One example is the favored travel magazine “Jalan-jalan”, which, even though it does in a roundabout way present Indonesia, not directly shows the unique travel atmosphere on this country.
In fact, the Japanese television and digital content industry actively produces programs that showcase the great thing about Indonesia. “Many of them also send workers to Indonesia to increase Japanese people’s knowledge of the country,” Ryutaro says.
Science Furoshiki during a visit to the Embassy
The first visit to the GNFI Embassy ended with equally fascinating workshops on: furoshiki – the normal Japanese art of wrapping objects in cloth. This art serves many purposes, from wrapping gifts and dinners to ceremonial offerings, and in addition reflects the values of aesthetics and sustainability.
Kawan GNFI participated within the workshops with great enthusiasm and was comfortable to present them furoshiki creations once they’re accomplished.
Don’t miss the subsequent program of visits to the GNFI Embassy – who knows, perhaps you might be a part of this exciting journey!
