What comes to mind when you think of Japan? Advanced technology, rich culture, or maybe both?
On Thursday, November 28, 2024, GNFI invited over 60 Kawan GNFI to experience the inaugural Embassy Visit at the Japanese Embassy in Jakarta!
This event is a collaboration between GNFI, Seasia, and the Japanese Embassy. At this event, participants were not only introduced to Japan's cutting-edge technology, but also immersed in customs that have become an integral part of the culture of the Land of the Rising Sun.
Exploring Japanese Culture in Everyday Life
During the event, participants explored Japanese culture through an engaging interactive video. The video highlighted unique customs such as the use of oshibori, a small wet towel used as a symbol of Japanese hospitality (omotenashi).
Participants also learned about the Japanese way of appreciating food, including the innovative food paper, a food preservation technology born out of a spirit of reducing waste.
The video concluded with an explanation of chopstick etiquette - an everyday dining tool that has specific rules, such as the prohibition of transferring food from one set of chopsticks to another or stabbing food with chopsticks. In Japan, chopsticks are even made from carefully selected wood by specialized craftsmen, adding artistic value to this simple cultural tool.
In line with this, Kubo Ryutaro, Press Attaché of the Japanese Embassy in Indonesia, emphasized the importance of culture as a tool for mutual understanding. "When we understand the culture of others, we can understand their way of thinking," he said.
Little-known Japanese Cultural Fun Facts
Did you know that Japanese people don't eat sushi every day?
During the interactive session of the Embassy Visit, Mr. Ryutaro revealed an interesting fact: Japanese people enjoy sushi more often on special occasions, such as certain celebrations. This adds a new perspective to the commonly held belief about Japanese culinary culture.
Equally exciting, the sharing session also sparked a discussion on the topic of "ugly food" - food that may not look very appealing. One participant, Gill, asked how Japan deals with such food.
Ryutaro explained that the Japanese have a principle of making the most of everything, including ugly food. Instead of throwing it away, this food is sold at a lower price on platforms like Carousel or other places.
Adding to this view, Ken Furusawa, a young Japanese diplomat, stated, "Although not all Japanese, many of us look at food based on its nutritional value, not its appearance.
This statement reinforces the Japanese culture of valuing the function and benefits of food over its appearance, a philosophy that is consistent with sustainable food management.
How Do the Japanese See Indonesia?
While Japanese culture is already very popular in Indonesia, how well is Indonesian culture known in Japan?
Interestingly, although the influence of Indonesian culture is not as widespread as that of other Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand and Vietnam, the potential for Indonesian culture to grow in Japan remains wide open.
Mr. Furusawa explained that the number of Indonesian restaurants in Japan still lags far behind that of Thai and Vietnamese restaurants. However, the development of Indonesian arts and culture, such as traditional music and dance, is beginning to attract more attention from the Japanese public. "There is still potential for further growth," he added.
Mr. Ryutaro also revealed that Indonesian culture has begun to enter Japanese society through various media. One example is a popular travel magazine called "Jalan-jalan", which while not explicitly introducing Indonesia, indirectly showcases the country's unique travel atmosphere.
In fact, the Japanese television and digital content industries are actively producing programs that showcase the beauty of Indonesia. "Many of them also send staff to Indonesia to increase the Japanese people's knowledge of the country," says Ryutaro.
Learning Furoshiki at the Embassy Visit
The first GNFI Embassy Visit event concluded with an equally fascinating workshop on furoshiki - the traditional Japanese art of wrapping items in cloth. This art serves many purposes, from wrapping gifts and lunches to ceremonial offerings, and reflects values of aesthetics and sustainability.
Kawan GNFI participated in the workshop with great enthusiasm and eagerly displayed their furoshiki creations once they were finished.
Don't miss the next GNFI Embassy Visit Program - who knows, you might be part of this exciting journey!
