KARACHI, March 7: A two-day Japanese festival will be held here on March 10 and 11 to mark the 60th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Japan.

This was stated by Ryo Ishikawa, head of the Japan culture centre, at a news conference at the Karachi Press Club on Wednesday.Titled ‘Japan Fest’, the festival would be held at the arts council, he said, adding that it might become an annual event.

“Japan Fest is the first joint event aimed at introducing various Japanese cultural activities,” he said.

A number of Japan-related organisations, including the Pakistan-Japan Cultural Association, the Pakistan-Japan Business Forum, Ikebana groups, Pak-Bonsai Society, JICA Alumni, AOTS Dosokai, Metal Seinen and martial art groups, would hold exhibitions, demonstrations, workshops, concerts and lectures under the aegis of the consulate general of Japan.

Japan Fest would be a comprehensive showcase of Japanese culture, providing a good opportunity for Pakistanis to appreciate many aspects of Japanese culture and its basic philosophy behind the logo mark of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations, he said.

The event will feature photo, calendar and cooking exhibition besides display of Anime and Manga culture and a disaster risk reduction training exhibition.