A fairly large audience was thrilled and relished the Waka-Raag night, organized recently by the Japan Cultural Centre of the Consulate General of Japan, Karachi, Pakistan-Japan Cultural Association, Sindh which was held at the Karachi Club.
An interesting fusion of Japanese and Pakistani poetry and classical dances, the programme was directed most creatively by Ms. Fatima Suraiya Bajia whose association with the Japan Cultural Centre began almost 28 years ago.
"It is a delight to listen to Japanese poetry in Urdu. This way you may also come to know more about the life of the Japanese. And this increase in knowledge would strengthen further understanding between our peoples, which in turn makes for unity" said Kanji Hanagata, Consul General of Japan in Karachi in his welcome address. He added that Waka is the most distinctive feature of the New Year's Poetry Party in which the Emperor and the Emperess invite winning poets and poetesses from the community whose poems are chanted in the presence of the Imperial Family.
Ghous Bux Khan Mehar, Federal Minister for Railways who was the chief guest on the occasion, expressed his views on Pakistan-Japan relations and pointed out that Japan is the best friend who has always supported Pakistan in times of need. The minister said that nations are known through their cultures and Pakistan and Japan share common cultures to a considerable extent.
This year's Waka poetry was selected form the famous classical collection of Japan known as Man'yoshu which is an assortment of anthologies from the Asuka and the Nara periods in the 7th and 8th centuries. Renown poet Firasat Rizvi and poetess Shahida Hasan translated the Waka in Urdu. Ustad Zafar Ali Khan composed Raag for Waka recital and eminent artists Ghulam Abbas and Shabana Kausar and classical dancer Zahida Noor gave magnificent performances. Muneera Nadeem's compering was outstanding. Rahat on flute, Mubarak Ali on Tabla, Imdad Hussain on Sitar, Dheeraj Prakash for percussion and Kashif Ali on Dholak aptly helped the group. Prof. Rais Alvi briefed the audience about Man'yoshu, a poetry which stands alone as the monument of Japan's first literary flourishing.
The exquisite floral arrangement made by Prof. Asifa Ataka not only lent an artistic touch to the stage but also enhanced the overall elegance of the surrounding.
It was an evening that everyone seemed to enjoy - with the best singers, musicians and dancer performing what else could not expect.