#reader's submitted article

“Hashi” is based on student clubs’ model in Japan and is managed solely by students. Nevertheless, the events organized by the club are open to the general public. The location for the events is Sugihara House. We are grateful for the location and for various advice to the Vytautas Magnus University, Center of Asian Studies and especially to its director, lect. Aurelijus Zykas. Our club seeks to present Japanese culture to the public, as well as help Japanese people, visiting Kaunas, see more than usual tourists do. “Hashi” is a non-profit organisation, always open for new people and new ideas!

  August 19-22 is time for nowJapan 2010 festival. Four days of Japanese movies, cosplay, lectures, martial arts performances and much more. It all takes place in Vilnius, Lithuania.

Article sent by our reader Sergej

Festival of traditional and modern japanese culture nowJapan is irreplasable event in midst of Japanese culture fanciers‘. The biggest in Baltic States and the only one of that magnitude in Lithuania, nowJapan is presentig a variety of aspects of Japanese culture. In 2009 the festival attracted over 1600 visitors. One of the strongest aspects of this festival is cosplay (eng. Costume Play). Festival is a beacon to both young and elderly because of its diversity and variety of activities.

The 19th of August – Opening day. The ritual of opening sake barrel. Festival friends and sponsors are taking participation in this. Opening speach is delivered by her exelncy Ambassador of Japan in Lithuania Mrs. Miyoko Akashi. The screening of Japanese movies is held in Cinema Theatre „Pasaka“, entrance is free of charge. Lecturers from „Pecha Kucha“ project are giving lectures on a varity of themes, all concerning Japan

The 20th of August – City day. The screening of Japanese movies is held in „Pasaka“ cinema all free of charge.

The 21st of August – Shimashio day. Active part of the weekend. Visitors are envited to plunge into the world of workshops, contests and big dose of healthy fun with martial arts schools, such as Tradiotional Aikido Federacy of Lithuania, Sumo Federacy, Kendo Federacy and Okinavian Goju Ryu Karate Do. Lectures and workshops on Sumi-E will be delivered by world-recognised master Dalia Dokšaitė. Console Games tournament will test the resolve and skills in cyberfighting of all who dare. The screening of Japanese movies is held in „Pasaka“ cinema for all free of charge. Night from 21st to 22nd – Cinema Night. Five movies from Japanese Golden Cinema Foundation are shown in „Pasaka“. All free of charge.

The 22nd of August – Mimasho day. The day dedicated for viewers to cheer for their favourite characters on the stage. Best dance and best performance nominations, best cosplayer of the year in variety of nominations. Martial arts demonstration and much, much more.

Please visit webpage of the festival www.nowjapan.lt

It is only in lithuanian, so if any additional information is needed don't hesitate to contact organizers via [email protected]