Celebrating Japan Month



Proposed events for Japan Month September-October 2025
   

 

Event 1
Exhibition of Hindu Deities Representations in Japanese Culture in Schools of Delhi and Bihar
An exhibition showcasing the influence of Hindu deities on Japanese culture could be a fascinating way to highlight the cross-cultural exchange between India and Japan, particularly in schools. It could feature representations of deities like Saraswati (Benzaiten), Ganesha (Kangiten), Shiva (Daijizaiten), Lakshmi (Kichijoten), Brahma (Bonten), and Indra (Taishakuten), and their roles in Japanese Buddhism and Shinto. The exhibition could also include information about the preservation of Sanskrit language and script (Siddham) in Japan.

.Exhibition Content

Feature photographic exhibitionof Hindu deities in Japan.
Subjects include traditional Japanese shrines, temples, special sessions on Japanese culture, rituals and practices, and heritage for students and teachers.
Buddhist Context: Emphasize the connection between Hinduism and Buddhism, and how many Hindu deities were adopted into the Japanese Buddhist pantheon.
Rituals and Practices: Include images or descriptions of rituals and practices associated with these deities in Japan.
This event promises to be an enriching experience for the students, as they can gain a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of cultures and the enduring influence of ancient traditions


Organised by: Ship for World Youth Alumni Association India (SWYAA-India)

Two municipal primary schools in the West zone of Delhi  
DISHA Community Centre, Basti Vikas Kendra, Nangal Raya, New Delhi  
Dr. D.Y. Patil International School, Patna, Bihar  

Collaboration: DISHA NGO New Delhi

Event Date: Friday, 19th September to Wednesday 24th September 2025

 
Event 2

Exhibition-cum-Workshop on 'SASHIKO', Japanese Traditional Embroidery - Heritage Folk Craft of Japanese Rural Women

A workshop on Sashiko Japanese folk embroidery will be held with 20 women at DISHA community center, New Delhi. This two-day workshop on Japanese folk embroidery will celebrate the intricate craftsmanship and cultural heritage of folk textiles from Japan.The workshop features folk embroidery design researcher, Dr. Maneet Kaur, who has curated a display of traditional textiles. Highlights include Japanese Sashiko stitching. Dr. Kaur will lead hands-on sessions, offering participants a unique opportunity to learn the techniques and delve into the historical, cultural, and technical aspects of these Japanese crafts and the timeless embroidery traditions of Japanese rural women
.Exhibition Content
Introduction to Sashiko
Originated during the Edo period as a method to reinforce and repair garments
The term "Sashiko" means "little stabs," referring to the running stitch technique
  Evolved from utilitarian stitching into a decorative folk art with symbolic patterns
Cultural Significance
Patterns often represent nature and values—waves for resilience, pine for longevity
Reflects Japanese aesthetics of simplicity, sustainability, and mindfulness
  Regional variations showcase local identity and storytelling through textiles

Workshop Activities

Brief History Session: Overview of Sashiko's evolution and cultural roots
Pattern Selection: Participants choose traditional motifs and thread colors
Hands-on Stitching: Guided practice using authentic tools—needles, thimbles on specialized dyed fabric
Symbolism Discussion: Interpretation of patterns and their meanings
Completion of a Project: Typically a coaster or small wall hanging

Learning Outcomes

Basic skills of Sashiko stitches and techniques
Understanding of its meditative and sustainable aspects
A handcrafted item to take home as a cultural keepsake

Organized by: Ship for World Youth Alumni Association India (SWYAA-India)

Location: DISHA Community Centre, Nangal Raya, New Delhi-110048
Collaboration: DISHA NGO New Delhi
Event Date: Friday, 19th September to Friday, 26th September 2025
 

 

Event 3

"Hope for Peace" – 1000 Orizuru to be Crafted by Primary School Students in Memory of Sadako Sasaki

As part of the Japan Month celebrations to be held in September-October 2025, SWYAA-India, will organize a tribute to Sadako Sasaki, the young girl who famously folded 1000 paper cranes (Orizuru) as a symbol of peace following the tragic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. This initiative will be carried out across two municipal primary schools in West Delhi, in partnership with the Department of Education, Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), New Delhi.

Objective

The event will aim to introduce primary school students to the Japanese legend of the Orizuru, which signifies longevity and the fulfilment of a wish when 1000 cranes are folded. This ancient practice serves as a powerful message of hope and peace, deeply connected to Sadako Sasaki's legacy.

Activities to be Conducted: Origami Workshops: SWYAA-India will facilitate workshops in each school, where students will learn the art of Origami and fold paper cranes as part of the 1000 Orizuru tribute.
Cultural Education: Students will be introduced to the legend of the paper cranes, learning about the deep cultural significance attached to them and how they serve as a universal symbol of peace and hope.

Significance:

This event will be a vital component of the broader Japan Month celebrations, aiming to enhance cultural exchange and strengthen people-to-people ties between India and Japan. By engaging young students in this hands-on activity, the program will seek to foster global understanding and instill values of peace and unity through a unique and meaningful tradition.


The event will successfully link the cultural heritage of Japan with the educational experience of Indian students, creating a memorable and lasting impression on the participants.

Organized by: Ship for World Youth Alumni Association India (SWYAA-India)
Event Dates: Monday, 20th October to Saturday, 26th October 2025
Location:

Two municipal primary schools in the West zone of Delhi

  DISHA community centre, Basti Vikas Kendra, Nangal Raya, New Delhi
 

 

Event 4

Cultural Echoes: Japan–India Exchange through Music, Dance & Heritage for School students
Objective
To promote cultural exchange between India and Japan by hosting a series of online sessions showcasing Japanese singing, music, dance, culture, and heritage, led by experts from Japan.
Planned Online Activities
S.No. Activity Resource Person(s)
1
Japanese Song Shiori Sakurai & Pradip Somasundaran
2
Japanese Music Ayaka Sekimoto
3
Japanese Dance Yuri Sakimoto
4
Japanese Culture Masahide Morita
5
Japanese Heritage Masahide Morita
6
Japanese Culture Quiz Yuka Teranishi
7
Japanese Ikebana (flower arranging) Satoshi Kubo
8
Japanese Perspectives on Gender Equality and Agriculture Akio Kanaitani
Event Format Online sessions conducted by Japanese cultural experts and specialists
Target Audience: Students, educators, and cultural enthusiasts interested in Japanese culture and heritage
Key Highlights
Diverse Cultural Elements: Comprehensive coverage of Japanese arts including traditional songs, music, and dance performances
Contemporary Perspectives: Japanese viewpoints on social issues including gender equality and agricultural practices
Expert Facilitators: Sessions led by authentic Japanese cultural practitioners and specialists
Expected Outcomes
Enhanced understanding of Japanese cultural traditions and contemporary society
Strengthened cultural bonds between India and Japan
Increased appreciation for Japanese arts and heritage among participants
Interactive cultural learning experience through diverse multimedia presentations

Locations

Two municipal primary schools in the West Zone of Delhi
DISHA Community Centre, Basti Vikas Kendra, Nangal Raya, New Delhi
Dr. D.Y. Patil International School, Patna, Bihar
St. Mark's School, Rudrapur, Uttarakhand
Collaborating Institutions
DISHA NGO, New Delhi
Dr. D.Y. Patil International School, Patna, Bihar
St. Mark's School, Rudrapur, Uttarakhand
Organized by: Ship for World Youth Alumni Association India (SWYAA-India)
Event Dates Friday, 5th September to Thursday, 30th October 2025
 

 

Event 5

Exhibition cum Workshop on Japanese Ink Painting by Renowned Artist Seigo Tabata for Students
Objective
To promote cultural exchange between Japan and India by exhibiting artwork and conducting workshop sessions showcasing Japanese Ink Painting, led by expert Mr. Seigo Tabata from Japan, in schools across Delhi. Seigo Tabata is an alumnus of the Ship for Southeast Asian Youth Program (SSEAYP) of the Government of Japan and an ink painting artist based in Aichi, Japan. He previously served as the Secretary General of the International Youth Exchange Organization of Japan and will be visiting India in October 2025.
Organized by: Ship for World Youth Alumni Association India (SWYAA-India)
Planned Activities
Exhibition of Japanese Ink Painting artworks in two schools of Delhi
Introduction to Japanese painting techniques for students and teachers
Hands-on training sessions in Japanese Ink Painting for students
Locations
Two Municipal Primary Schools in the West Zone of Delhi
DISHA Community Centre, Basti Vikas Kendra, Nangal Raya, New Delhi
Collaborating Institutions: DISHA NGO, New Delhi
Event Dates Tuesday, 14th October to Thursday, 16th October 2025