In line with its dedication to bring global cultures together and promoting human creativity, the upcoming edition of Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2018) is organising a rich programme of events and activities that shed light on Japan. More than 13 renowned Japanese writers, artists and musicians will be leading over 100 activities, workshops and musical performances at the 37^th edition of the event. The book fair is being held under the theme ‘Tale of Letters’ from October 31 – November 10 at Sharjah Expo Centre.

Meet award-winning Japanese authors

Internationally acclaimed authors, Shogo Oketani, Japanese Novelist and Winner of APALA Asian Pacific Award in Youth Literature; and Kanako Nishi, Japanese Novelist whose novel Tsutenkaku (Tower to heaven) won the Sakunosuke Oda Prize, will be taking part this year.

SIBF 2018 will also host novelist Tomoka Shibasaki, whose work Spring Garden won the prestigious Akutagawa Prize in 2014, and was translated into eight languages including English. Her novel Asako I & Ⅱ was adapted to the screen in 2018. Kanae Minato, Japanese bestselling novelist who wrote Kokuhaku (Confessions) that sold over 16,000,000 copies just in Japan and won Japanese Bookseller Award will also meet her fans at SIBF 2018.

The list of attendees includes novelist Kazuki Sakuraba, author of best seller Eearly Gosick Light; Natsu Miyashita, author of Hitsuji to Hagane no Mori (The Forest of Wool and Steel), which won the 2016 Booksellers Award and Ohsama-no-Branch Book Award; Motoyuki Shibata Professor of American Literature and Literary Translation at the University of Tokyo, who translated titles written by Paul Auster and Stuart Dybek, among others, into Japanese; and Fuminori Nakamura, author of The Thief, Evil and the Mask and other titles that won prestigious literary prizes.

Dr. Takashi Inoue, Chairman and CEO of Inoue Public Relations Inc., has written several books including Public Relations in Hyper-globalization: Essential Relationship Management – A Japan Perspective; and Kyoko Nakajima, author of The Little House, winner of the prestigious Naoki Prize will also be attending.

Origami, Ikebana, tea ceremonies, concerts, folk performances, calligraphy and more…

Enthusiasts of traditional Japanese arts are in for a treat at the book fair. Visitors have the opportunity to meet and attend workshops by Japanese artists Rie Nakao – a workshop presenter and specialist in origami and handcrafts; Tamimi Akiaba, mangaka and illustrator of children’s books; Miyako Akai, winner of Miniature Book Competition Award; Tomoko Inaba, graphic designer and creative illustrator who specialises in teaching children the art of making ‘Uchiwa’ (non-bending fans) teach and other Japanese paper crafts; and Kaori Kadokawa, who will bring intricate crafts on Yuzen Japanese paper to life.

SIBF 2018 will also offer its stage to mini concerts led by violinist Azusa Onishi and pianist, Sumiko Ochi. Tea connoisseurs will have the opportunity to witness the traditional Japanese tea ceremony ‘Sado’, involving the ceremonial preparation and presentation of tea based on their customs and traditions.

SIBF will present several artistic performances showcasing the rich legacy of Japanese folklore and culture. These include the ‘Nashua Soran’ dance show, which is performed by Japanese students to the rhythm of their folk songs, and ‘Wadaiko’ – a traditional Japanese percussion performance. Visitors will also enjoy SoftBank Robotics’ humanoid robot ‘Pepper’, in addition to a health workshop titled ‘The Secret Hero: Good Bacteria in the Digestive System’, presented by Yakult Center, Middle East.

The fair will also be screening ‘The Lost Hokusai’, a documentary based on the life and work of Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai, by NHK – Japanese Broadcasting Corporation. Visitors will gain insights into the popular and elegant Japanese art of flower arrangement, Ikebana, in a show presented by Haro Aoki; a workshop on Japanese Calligraphy (shodo), at which participants will learn how to write their names with Japanese characters known as ‘Kanji’, using special brushes.

‘Real Ninja’, a documentary that narrates the history of the Japanese martial arts, produced by the NHK- Japan Broadcasting Corporation, will also be screened during the event. Other activities include ‘Japan’s Bakery’, where Ilie Chaaya will shed light on the history of Japanese bread-making and share the success story of the famous Japanese restaurant, Yamanote Atelier. ‘Welcome Japan!’, a lecture by Naoki Harazaro, Yuka Sasaki and Kana Omai will encourage SIBF 2018 visitors to try to speak Japanese and learn more about their culture.

SIBF will host a show titled ‘Kendo’, a traditional Japanese martial art that uses bamboo swords, at the Japanese pavilion. The event is aimed at engaging visitors and educating about a traditional Japanese practice aimed at improving our personalities through disciplined training.