| Reporter:
Fukuoka City holds entertaining events every September. Do
you know what they are?
Reporter:
They are part of.... Asian Month!
Narration:
Asian Month was established in 1990. Various events are
held throughout the City to deepen mutual understanding
with other Asian countries.
Narration:
During one of the main events, the Asian Pacific Festival,
traditional folk performances from various countries and
regions are showcased at Fukuoka City Hall's "Fureai
Hiroba." A number of stalls selling ethnic foods and
products are also set up, allowing visitors to immerse themselves
in Asian-Pacific cultures.
Narration:
And there are also the Fukuoka Asian Culture Prizes,
which recognize the outstanding work of individuals or organizations
that have contributed to preserving and creating Asia’s
unique and diverse cultures.
Narration:
Through these events and collaborations, Fukuoka City aims
to learn about and grow closer to other Asian countries..
Interviewee A:
It's great to have an opportunity to learn about other cultures.
Interviewee B:
There are people from so many different countries. I'd love
to chat with them.
Interviewee C:
At first, it seemed like it was nothing more than a brief
introduction to other Asian countries. But now, I feel a
real sense of familiarity.
Reporter:
Asian Month has become a well-established annual event.
Do you know how it all started?
Narration:
Because of Fukuoka City’s close proximity to China and Korea
it has thrived for centuries as Japan's window to other
Asian cultures. Such geographic and historic characteristics
have played a major role in Fukuoka becoming a focal point
for exchange with the rest of Asia.
Narration:
Fukuoka is home to the Fukuoka Asian Art Museum, a museum
dedicated to modern and contemporary Asian art, the only
one of its kind. It systematically collects and exhibits
the work of artists living in the ever-changing Asia of
today.
Narration:
Its proactive efforts to promote research, education and
exchange with Asian artists draws attention from all over
the world.
Reporter:
Focus on Asia?Fukuoka International Film Festival is another
major event held during Asian Month.
Narration:
Films from throughout Asia are shown during this festival.
And, because of its unique nature in specializing in Asian
films, the Festival continually receives high acclaim.
Mr.
Yanagi: Film festivals usually show
films that have been collected in Japan. They seldom travel
abroad looking for original prints like we do. And the fact
that Fukuoka is probably the only city in Japan to screen
Asian films makes this Festival even more special.
Mr.
Yanagi: It's rather difficult to
put into words but, compared with films from the US or Europe,
Asian films have a certain affinity with Japan. So they
act as a mirror, providing us with an opportunity to reflect
on ourselves.
Narration:
Fukuoka City Public Library is one of the few libraries
in Japan to maintain a film archive of Asian films. Some
of the films screened during past Festivals are also archived
and can be viewed at Cine-la movie hall.
Mr.
Yanagi: Asia is changing rapidly,
and China and India will probably become powerhouses of
the 21st century. For Japan to survive in the 21st century,
I think it's critical to be aware of what's happening in
Asia. In a way, watching Asian movies could be the easiest
way to understand these changes.
Reporter:
Asian films are certainly fascinating! I could see and feel
different cultures and energies. I hope you get to know
more about other Asian countries through Asian Month.
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