KUCHING: Sarawak is looking forward to organising the Japanese Film Festival (JFF) as yet another key component to boost tourism.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said organising JFF was necessary in promoting Sarawak’s culture, adventure, nature, food and festivals (CANFF).
“JFF has been running for eight consecutive years in our city and thus, played an important role in promoting mutual understandings between Japan and Sarawak.
“One of the most important impacts of organising cultural, arts and music festivals is that it unites people from different countries and backgrounds simply because of common interest and passion for culture, arts and music festivals,” he said in his speech before launching the 16th JFF at GSC CityOne Megamall, here yesterday.
His speech was read by Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah. He said screening Japanese film would enable Sarawakian to have an opportunity to deepen their familiarity with Japanese culture and society.
“We hope that the people of Sarawak can get acquainted with the Japanese citizens who will be with us throughout the festival period,” he said.
Abang Johari thanked Japan Foundation and Mitsubishi Corporation for their continuous support in developing international exchange.
Festival organiser Japan Foundation, a non-profit organisation set up in 1972 and taking up roots in Malaysia since 1989, promotes mutual cultural exchange between Japan and other countries. It aims to develop mutual understanding between the people through cultural and language within the region.
In conjunction with the JFF, there will also be a sushi-making competition by UCSI University, Japan Week Colouring Contest for kids and Tanko Bushi dance performance and workshop at the mall this weekend.
