(Top and above) Artistes from Japan perform a folk dance wearing kimono and traditional drum players of Japan perform fusion music with former chief minister Giridhar Gamang’s troupe of musicians in Puri. Pictures by Sarat Patra

Puri, June 25: Japanese devotees who pulled their mini chariot on the rath yatra day in the holy city of Puri also showcased glimpses of their folk performing arts at a special event organised by the India Japan Friendship Centre.

The Japanese tourists transformed into artistes displaying their traditional music, dance and crafts at the event.

A group of young musicians from the team of tourists chose to present the famous Japanese Taiko drums wherein the artistes use thick rods instead of slender sticks and create foot-tapping thumping beats.

The drummers collaborated with former chief minister and well-known musician Giridhar Gamang, who played his unique set of tribal instruments in a jugalbandi along with the Japanese artistes. The fusion received an overwhelming response.

“This was a rare musical performance. The drummers from Japan had already cast a spell but when the contest if tribal beats from Odisha blended with the amazing rhythms from Japan, it was fascinating,” said Pritish Garabadu, a viewer.

Among other attractions were Japanese Origami crafts that many members from the troupe of tourists displayed.

Without using scissors and with just intelligent folds on the paper, the artists created mini airplanes, animal miniatures and much more.

Also in store for the audience was an impressive dance performance by Japanese girls wearing the traditional kimono. The group dance saw the girls using Japanese hand fans synchronising beautifully with their steps.

The event also included photo exhibition and Japanese films screening.

It was organised on the eve of the 60th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relationship between Japan and India, a joint celebration by India Japan Friendship Centre, Chandra Sekhar Academy, Japan Foundation, Japan Embassy and the Consulate General of Japan, Calcutta.

“We would like to convey our commitment to magnify further the bilateral relationship between Japan and India in a comprehensive manner, and look forward to a new chapter of friendship and cooperation between Japan and India,” said S.K. Dash, president of India Japan Friendship Centre.