Giselli Monteiro at Cool Japan festival

apan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) and India’s leading designer, Narendra Kumar announce India’s first ever “Cool. Japan Festival” at High Street Phoenix, Mumbai from 16th to 18th March 2012 as part of 60th Anniversary of Japan-India Diplomatic Relations.

A “Cool Japan” theme party was hosted by the Japanese Ministry with Narendra Kumar at Canvas, Palladium on Thursday 15th March 2012.

Never before has Japan showcased its people and products in such a big and exciting way . The evening saw a Wadaiko Drums show with Japanese performance by 12 drummers, the Rakugo Comedy Storyteller show which gave guests glimpse of Japanese humor and a Dragon Show, which is one of Japan’s most famous symbols gave guests a taste of Japanese culture, which they thoroughly enjoyed. Infact, Pooja Bedi eve joined the Rakugo performer on stage and performed some tricks with him.

The performaces were followed by a fashion show by Narendra Kumar where models walked in his edgy Japan inspired outfits. Giselli Monterio who also features in the Cool Japan calendar, was the showstopper. Besides the superbly structured outfits, guests also loved the Geisha inspired Japanese make up on the models and Giselli.

The showing was following by a service of sushi along a specially created sushi bar with the sauces moving on a conveyor belt.

Playing the most gracious host was Harry Cheng of Maido India and the moving force behind the Cool Japan concept, along with Narendra Kumar

Seen enjoying the Japanese hospitality and culture were Pooja Bedi, Akashdeep, Akanksha Nanda, Kadambari Lakhani, Rajeev Samant, Sameer Sheth and also Sarabjit Singh Chaddha, the only non Japanese singer from Tokyo who had performed earlier in the evening.

Narendra Kumar, Japan’s informal brand ambassador says “I visited Japan on two occasions in the last two years and absolutely loved it. We also launched the Cool Japan calendar earlier this year with Bollywood actress Giselli Monterio and with the 3 day Cool Japan festival here in my hometown, it is the first time that Indians will be treated to Japanese entertainment and I encourage all Mumbaikars to come to High Street Phoenix during 16 to 18 March 2012.”

Anuj Jodhani, Director, Maidoindia, who has assisted METI to organize this event commented “We have been promoting Japanese culture in India for over four years and are so pleased to see Japan come closer to India in such a big way through the Cool Japan Festival! We hope that more and more Indians appreciate the amazing culture and products that Japan has to offer.”