Tai Chi, kendo, martial arts, anime along with Japanese music, art and food were on display at the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine campus on Saturday.
The displays formed part of the Japanese Cultural Association of Trinidad and Tobago’s hosting of its annual Japan Day.
Students and well wishers at the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine campus had the opportunity to immerse themselves in Japanese culture.
The opportunity came as a result of the Japanese Cultural Association of Trinidad and Tobago’s hosting of their second edition of Japan Day at the campus.
Chairman of JCATT, Eddy Devisse lauded the event and highlighted what it had to offer.
“It’s an opportunity today to experience Japan right here in Trinidad and Tobago. You’re going to be watching demonstrations, you’re going to be watching all kinds of events here on stage. But it’s not just watching, there is also lots of activities, as you’re going to see, on centre part of the area here. So join, try the activities, ask questions, get involved.”
Mr. Devisse noted that his organization does not limit itself to the hosting of its annual Japan Day.
“JCATT, Japanese Cultural Association of Trinidad and Tobago is not just Japan Day once a year. Throughout the year, throughout this year, throughout next year we’re going to be organizing and taking part in events and activities, workshops in communities, in different locations across the country. We’ve already done that quite a lot this year. There’s going to be more of that next year.”
The JCATT Chair indicated that he has found that his love for the Japanese culture is shared by other Trinbagonians.
“There is a very vibrant community, Japanese community in Trinidad, of people that come from Japan, that live here. But may be more importantly there’s a lot of Trinis who are really into the Japanese culture. I am kind a Trini, I am not quite Trini but I am almost Trini and I’ve lived in Japan and I want to promote that culture and I find that I am not alone. There’s a lot of Trinis who are really interested in Japanese culture. Into anime, into the martial arts, into the food, into the dressing and all that stuff.”
Kendo, cosplay, anime and martial arts exhibition were just a sample of what JCATT showcased at its annual Japan Day on Saturday.