Culture: A yen for tradition

Artists from Japan showcased their country’s rich cultural heritage at a function held at Japanese Consul General Hiroyasu Kobayashi’s Dubai residence recently.

Guests were shown the art of calligraphy, kimono dressing and also given a demonstration of Japan’s famous tea drinking ceremony (cha-no-yu) — a complex ritual which takes years to master.

Kimono dressing is pretty daunting as well. Without an expert to show you the way, you wouldn’t know how to drape the four-layered kimono, worn mainly by the aristocratic ladies of Japan.

Another highlight of the evening was a calligraphy and painting exhibition from the Heisei era. "Calligraphy describes the essence of the Japanese elements and the way of life," said Atsuko Kobayashi, wife of the Consul General.