Closing Event for the 70th Anniversary of the Establishment of Japan-India Diplomatic Relations (Yabusame horseback archery and tent pegging performances)
2022/12/19
As a closing event for the 70th anniversary of the establishment of Japan-India diplomatic relations, an event featuring "Yabusame horseback archery and tent pegging performance" was held on Sunday, December 18, 2022, at the Army Polo and Riding Club grounds in Delhi by the Steering Committee of the 70th Anniversary of the Establishment of Japan-India Diplomatic Relations.
The event was graced with the presence of 15 delegates, including Mr. Kiyomoto Ogasawara from the Ogasawara-ryu, a traditional school of martial arts and etiquette, from Japan. Bollywood star Mr. Randeep Hooda also joined the event as a special guest to liven up the venue.
At the event, Ambassador Suzuki, on behalf of the Steering Committee, delivered his remarks, congratulating the 70th Anniversary of Japan-India Diplomatic Relations, and reviewing the efforts made throughout the year. The chief guest Lt. Gen, Rajinder Dewan, Quarter Master General of the Indian Army, made his address, followed by remarks from Mr. Wakamori, President of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of India.
After the horseback riding performance by Mr. Randeep Hooda, Indian dance was performed as an opening act by Indian musicians using Japanese drums.
Then, Yabusame was performed by the Ogasawara-ryu, in which the performers shot arrows from the galloping horse, and audiences cheered loudly each time they hit the target. After Yabusame, the Indian Army performed Tent Pegging, a traditional Indian cavalry sport, in which performers powerfully hit a target on the ground from horseback with a spear. Afterwards, Yabusame and Tent Pegging teams marched together through the venue, praising each other for their excellent performances.
Finally, Bollywood music and dance were performed as a closing act, and then, Mr. Yamazaki, President of the Japan Association Delhi, and Mr. Ranjeet Goswami, Global Head of Tata Consultancy, gave closing remarks.
The event was a true symbol of the friendly relationship between Japan and India, with performances that fused the cultures of the two countries, such as Yabusame, Tent Pegging, and performances by Indian musicians and dancers using Japanese drums.