COIMBATORE: A little Japan opened its doors to the residents of Coimbatore on Saturday at Ratha Regent in Coimbatore as part of the Fragrance of Japan, a culture festival.It was not just any exhibition. It was a celebration of Japan's culture and a sneak peak into the Japanese life. Wearing the Yukata, traditional Japanese summer dress brought back vivid memories of her days in Japan for 72-year-old Usha Devi. "When my husband was transferred to Japan in 1973, I struggled a lot there. But when I was pregnant with my daughter, my neighbours made me wear the yukata and celebrated my daughter's arrival in Japanese tradition. It was a beautiful time," she said. Almost all the visitors, men and women got a feel of the country's traditional clothing as the volunteers draped the dress for them.The Hina Matsuri just like Indian kolu which is a festival of dolls for the girls was also on display at the festival. "Each of these dolls are hand-made from wood, bamboo and straws. They, each, represent the rich culture of the country. In seven steps, the dolls of the king, queen, their musicians, geisha girls, ministers, samurai and items used by the people such as green tea maker, dressing table and palaquin's are decorated on the steps. A Japanese sweet is also placed in the centre," said Shree Akshaya, a student at the ABK-AOTS Dosokai coimbatore, a Japanese language school who organized the festival.Bonsai and Origami were on display. Age was not a bar at the games corner where participants tried to get the Kendama, a ball tied to the thread land on a cup to win a prize. Fukuwari, another game in which a blind folded person had to place correctly the features of a Japanese woman made out of paper was also a crowded corner. This was organized by the ABK-AOTS Dosokai coimbatore, a Japanese language school. Age was not a bar at the games corner where participants tries to get the Kendama, a ball tied to the thread land on a cup to win a prize. Fukuwari, another game in which a blind folded person had to place correctly the features of a Japanese woman made out of paper was also a crowded corner."Many of the students have visited Japan as part of scholarships and exchange programmes. And they all have such love and passion for the country that it is hard to explain. We wanted to bring that art and culture that we had seen to the city to create awareness on it and to also educate. Last year, we brought the music of Japan and next year we plan to organise a food festival," said Shanmuga Priya, a teacher (sensei) at the school.Bonsai trees and Origami was also a part of the fest. From the Fiji mountain to the Japanese stories, the paper craft was a major attraction with children also learning simple tricks to make hats and other shapes from newspapers at the event. Usha Devi, an academician from Chennai learnt the craft 17 years ago when she went on a visit to Japan and now teaches students.

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