Jiyuu Matsuri 2018: The Art of Harajuku
UNJ Public Relations (10/04/2018) The Japanese Language Education Student association of Universitas Negeri Jakarta held its annual big event which named Jiyuu Matsuri 2018. “Matsuri” itself in Japan means a cultural festival that related to religious activities. Meanwhile, the Jiyuu Matsuri held at UNJ was a secular activity which unrelated to religion elements at all. It was more likely a festival that aimed to introduce extensively the conservative culture and contemporary culture in Japan.
This annual grand event adopted theme of The Art of Harajuku. The event which held on 3rd– 4th November, 2018 and located on UNJ Library’s field, received a lot attention from internal UNJ and public as well. At least more than 7,000 people visited this Japan Campus Festival in 2018. Jiyuu Matsuri itself has been held since 2009.
Jiyuu Matsuri 2018 was opened by Yuniarsih, M. Hum., M., as the program Study Coordinator of Japanese Language Education. The opening was held at Maftuhah Yusuf Auditorium. Besides the main activity in Library’s field for two days, there were also activities at Matuhah Yusuf Auditorium. The activities were workshops or training called Fuwa Fuwa Tiramisu Pancake and Beauty Class which was attended by 43 participants. Not only that, Jiyuu Matsuri consisted with academic and general competitions such as; design character, doujinshi, cosplay walk, cosplay photography, seiyuu, Speech, LCC, kana kanji, rodoku, and shiritori.
The event was attended by Osaka University and several cooperate Japan companies. Several guest stars who were widely recognized for Indonesian J-pop fans invited to liven up the vibes such as; as Astro Paper, Hydra, Red Shift, Keroncong Swaramangun, Siloka Music, and many more. Moreover, the student from Japanese Language Education program also presented their own band performances. In the middle of the crowd, there were a bamboo three to hang hopes likely Japan culture, Obake Yashiki or haunted house, and place for visitors to take pictures using Japanese traditional clothes, Yukata, which is one of kimono type that usually used in summer. This annual event was free for all visitors who want enjoy and witness the excitement at Jiyuu Matsuri 2018.
(Interpreter: IWR)