ZUBAIR QURESHI Embassy of Japan in collaboration with the MEXT Alumni Association of Pakistan (MAAP) on Friday organized a three-day (Feb 14-16) exhibition of Japanese Calendars 2020 at the Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agricultural University in the garrison city. Ambassador of Japan Matsuda Kuninori together with Vice Chancellor Arid University Dr Qamar-uz- Zaman inaugurated the three-day event. Japanese Calendars Exhibition is an annual feature of the cultural activities organized by the embassy and is popular among the people of Pakistan. This year, around 90 calendars have been put on display in the exhibition with the cooperation of Japan Calendars Association and various Japanese companies. The calendars exhibited on Friday showcased a vibrant depiction of the Japanese heritage and cultural identity with images from traditional and contemporary arts, sports, automobiles, nature, heritage and architecture to Japanese Kimono and Ikebana. Ambassador Matsuda, while speaking at the inaugural ceremony said a variety of Japanese calendars has been put on display that represents the beauty as well as true life image of Japan. “The purpose for holding this calendars exhibition is to introduce various facets of Japan to the people of Pakistan. Cultural interactions play a pivotal role to foster peopleto-people contacts and today’s exhibition is one such effort”, said the Ambassador. The Ambassador further added that today’s exhibition not only gives a picture of the socio-cultural development of Japan, but also exhibits the aesthetic features by Japanese calendar artists. “Through calendars, the visitors can imagine Japan so near to their eyes even if it’s far way” said the Ambassador. The Ambassador lauded the support and cooperation extended by the MAAP and Arid University for holding this exhibition. Most of the calendars being displayed are produced by private Japanese companies, and most of them are printed on recycled paper which is a fine example of Japan’s efforts to be eco-friendly. After the exhibition, all the calendars will be distributed to the lucky visitors through lottery that will be conducted later on by the MAAP. The exhibition will also continue tomorrow (Sunday) and will remain open for the public from 09:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m
