This year marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Pakistan began. Since then the two countries have maintained a very strong diplomatic and economic relationship. However, culturally the two countries haven’t gotten as close as they could have.
Thankfully the Pakistan Embassy in Japan along with members of the Pakistani community in Japan have organized the Pakistan Bazaar in Yoyogi Park, Tokyo. Anyone in the Tokyo area on 24-25 March is welcome to experience the historical and cultural beauty that fills Pakistan with free admission.
The two-day event promises to be full of activity with back-to-back events on the main stage. Some of the assorted displays include Pakistani musicians, a traditional clothing fashion show, an interview with a mountaineer from the home of K2, dancing shows and competitions and Pakistan’s handmade soccer balls. Yukihide Takekawa, former frontman of Godiego, is also scheduled to be a guest performer.
One of the highlight events of the Bazaar promises to be the “Mister Handsome Pakistan Contest” which is still looking for more contestants. Any male over 13 is allowed to join. Although meant for Pakistani men, they are not afraid to let Japanese men get in on the action provided they wear some traditional Pakistani clothing. Going by the line-up of contestants posted on the embassy website, one young man in particular looks tough to beat.
In the very likely event that Japanese guys don’t have traditional Pakistani garb on hand, no problem. There will be clothing vendors throughout the bazaar offering their finest clothes. After that any Japanese men brave enough to enter will have to match looks with Pakistan’s finest.
So as not to exclude those under 13 there’s also a “Cute Pakistani Contest” open to Pakistani girls and boys too young for the other contest.
Pakistani restaurants in the Tokyo area are taking advantage of this gathering to showcase their best cooking so you can expect a wide variety of curries and kebabs for the tasting. The food they serve is all authentic and is certified halal, which means it’s prepared in a way that is permissible under Islamic law. One thing that’s not halal, however, is alcohol which won’t be served, so you don’t have to worry about bringing the kids down as well.
All in all, it’s a culture-packed event that should have something for everyone and is an excellent chance for people in Japan to really see what Pakistan has to offer. Going by mainstream media we are often presented with negative stories and don’t take the time so see natural and man-made beauty of the country.
So if you head down to Yoyogi Park this March try to learn about the majestic mountain ranges or ruins and relics of one of the oldest known civilizations.
Hours: March 24th (Sat) and 25th (Sun) 10:00 – 19:30
Location: Yoyogi Park Event Square (Free Admission)
Sponsored by: Pakistan Embassy, Pakistan Community, Pakistan Bazaar Executive Committee
Source: Walker Plus (Japanese)
Event Website: Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan (English and Japanese)