DPS Dwarka under the aegis of DPS Society organized Nihon No Kaori 2012 – Annual Inter School Japanese Language Festival on Wednesday, 17 October 2012. Twenty five renowned schools from Delhi NCR and U.P. participated in this mega event. The valedictory function was graced by Mr. Yugo Horikawa, Secretary, Culture and Information, Embassy of Japan as the distinguished chief guest. Mr. Katsuma Doi, Director, Japan Foundation was the guest of honour and Mr. Ashok Chandra, Chairman, DPS Society presided over the function.

Prof. Ashok Chawla from Ritsumeikan, India Office, Mr. Satoshi Hata, Representative, Ritsumeikan University, Japan Foundation, Mr. Takanori Maruyama, Director – HMSI, Mr. Harbhajan Singh, Vice President – HMSI, Mr. Taisuke Watanabe, Senior Representative, JICA India Office, Mr. Haru Hisa Usui, Principal, Japanese School, Ms. Ryoko Iseda, Senior Japanese Language Advisor, Mr. Yojiro Tanaka, Director, Japanese Language and Studies Mr. Norimichi Takemura, Japanese Language Advisor, Ms. Machiko Yamamura, Assistant Director, Ms. Anshula Bhatt, Embassy of Japan, Ms. Priyanka Bangia, Ritsumeikan University, Ms. Sonu Gupta, Japan Foundation were the other distinguished guests.

Mr. Horikawa addressed the audience in Hindi and acknowledged the endeavours of DPS Society in promoting Japanese language. He appreciated the school for organizing Nihon No Kaori – the essence of Japan to mark the 60th Anniversary of Japan-India diplomatic relations.

Mr. Katsuma Doi in his address complimented the school for organizing such a festival. He acclaimed the zeal and enthusiasm exhibited by the participants from various schools.

Mr. Chandra congratulated the participants and applauded the efforts of the DPS Dwarka team for organizing such a mega event. He emphasized that the aim of organizing such festivals is to bring the two countries together and further strengthen the bond of friendship.

Mr. Takanori expressed his happiness to witness a large number of students from various schools coming together to participate in the Japanese Language Festival.

Prof. Ashok Chawla on behalf of Ritsumeikan University highlighted the importance of learning foreign languages and appreciated the Origami and Ikebana presentations put up by the participants.

Ms. Sunita Tanwar, Principal DPS Dwarka emphasized that since Japan is the economic powerhouse of Asia, learning their language is an important skill. It will open doors to employment for students in the near future.

A beautiful cultural programme put up by the students of DPS Dwarka enthralled the audience. The delegates from the Japan Embassy highly appreciated the Japanese Dance and the Japanese Welcome Song presented by the students. The highlight of the day was ‘Drummer’s Delight’, a splendid performance by the school band.

The festival provided the students a platform to exhibit their inherent talent and understanding of the Japanese Language. Various competitions like Calligraphy, Painting, Poetry Recitation, Kimono Bookmark Making, Origami, Just A Minute and Ikebana were organized to test the language skills of the students.

The events were judged by eminent panelists from Japan Embassy, Japan Foundation, Risumeikan University, JICA, Origami India and the Ikebana Club.

The team from DPS Moradabad was adjudged as the Overall Winners of Nihon No Kaori 2012.