VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Indonesian Ambassador to Japan, Heri Akhmadi, said that the Jak-Japan Matsuri (JJM) 2024 festival, which was held on the 14th and 15th of September in Jakarta, reflects the friendship between the people of the two countries.

During the opening ceremony of Jak-Japan Matsuri (JJM) 2024 in Jakarta on Saturday evening (14/9), Ambassador Heri Akhmadi stated that the most important aspect of the friendship between two countries or nations is actually reflected by the friendship between the people of those countries.

According to Heri Akhmadi, the brotherly relationship between the people of Indonesia and Japan is key, and the Matsuri is a good way to get to know, appreciate, and respect fellow brothers. He added that a similar event, Matsuri Indonesia 2024, will also be held by the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo on the 17th and 18th of October.

Meanwhile, Japanese Ambassador to Indonesia, Masaki Yasushi, said that this year's JJM became one of the symbols of friendship and cultural exchange between Japan and Indonesia. Ambassador Yasushi explained that JJM 2024 carries the theme ‘Exploring Japan,’ which presents various booths that showcase unique and distinctive products, culinary delights, and culture from various regions in Japan, such as Aichi Prefecture and Fukuoka.

The annual event, which was first held in Jakarta in 2009, serves as a platform for Indonesians and Japanese to deepen their bonds and foster the friendship between the two countries.

Jak-Japan Matsuri features Japanese and Indonesian cultural arts, such as the Mikoshi Parade. Mikoshi, meaning the house of god, is paraded on the shoulders of dozens of people and is usually performed at certain festivals or during the summer. There are also performances from Indonesian artists like JKT48 and Fatin, as well as Japanese performers like Jam Heads, Batten Girls, and DXTEEN.

The angklung art and Mikoshi parade attracted a lot of attention at the event, which also provided a consultation area for those interested in working in Japan.