UGM’s Dharma Wanita Persatuan (Association of Dharma Wanita), or DWP in abbreviation, takes visit from 15 female Japanese dancers who are engaged in Sapporo Meeting of International Friendship, Japan. The contingent was welcomed at the University Club (UC) UGM, Friday (15/8). The visit is a part of the cross-cultural friendship and exchange meeting between Japan-Indonesia, as well as the celebration of the 64th anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia held by DWP.
In her welcoming speech, Mrs. Sudjarwadi as the leader of DWP UGM explains that the Japan’s Sapporo organization is an international friendship association that moves in social and culture affairs. This association has done field trips to 20 countries and Indonesia is the 21st to visit.
''They hold dance performances in every country they visit. In Jogja they have done two performances, at the Department of Tourism and at UGM Campus,'' she said, adding that the culture exchange and preservation strengthen the relationship between Indonesia and Japan.
At the same occasion, Saito Kazuo as the representative of the Japan contingent says that they have been visiting other countries for more than 20 years to introduce their culture. ''This time we came to Jogja to fulfill Mrs. Sudjarwadi’s invitation,'' he said. He claims to be impressed and proud to be given a chance to introduce the Japanese traditional dance as well as the Japanese tea ceremony.
In the occasion, the Japanese contingent performed 4 traditional dances and a song called Sukiyaki, while the DWP UGM performed Golek Surung Dayung dance and a song called Bengawan Solo.
(Public Relations of UGM/Gusti Grehenson)