Our work may relate to foreign affairs or international ties (yup the diplomatic officers) but only a few being selected to involve in those specialised field. So when i was being invited by a friend, Ms. Mala for such event, chances to see and mingle with those foreign alliance was not something to be missed.
So here we were, in the Official Residence of Ambassador of Japan, the reception being held to commemorate the tragedy of Great East Japan Earthquake which happened last year March 11. From a quick search in the Internet, it is also being held in other Japan Embassies throughout the world.
The Japanese expatriate kids performing some dance.
The commemoration ceremony was simple. His Excellency, Mr.Ambassador made a brief speech on the effort done to help the victim especially the contribution from Malaysians. After expressing his thank you, it was followed by a 30 seconds of silence to remember the great lost...
There was a performance of orchestra, from Petronas Philharmonic, strumming some classics on the stage. The dance performance from Japanese expatriate kids helped to lift up the sombre mood, followed by some photos session with the Honourable Guest, Malaysian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.
As the guest rethreat to dining area, which was delicious Japanese buffet spread, we managed to make some conversation with people from many walk of life - Mr. Ambassador himself, the First Secretary, a Defence Attache of Japan, some other countries foreign affair personel and our own people. In the first place it was a bit akward moment to start a conversation, only after we were being greeted by a friendly Japanese Lady who is well conversed in Malay and Arabic (seriously we are impressed!) things were getting easier. Decked in full kurung attire, it did manage to help the crowd to notice us. As what Mala said, it is the crowd puller!
One of the buffet spread.....
Mr.Ambassador, my friends and I. We were told that Tun Mahathir couldn't make his appearance due not feeling well...
Somehow, we managed to discover an exhibition being held in one of the rooms. Photos of Earth Quake victims and a video being shown in this area. I was really touched to see the expressions in those photos. Prior to this event, a related documentary from Majalah 3 was aired on national telly and again it was shown here.
The Japanese people who were being affected by the great tsunami. They looked so positive and in a very good spirit, despite the big lost and calamity.
Another photo that capture my attention...
Some drawings shown, by the younger victims....
This drawing simply remind me to a Japanese Song I learnt in school back then, if not mistaken, the title has to do with "Sekaii" ....this World.
Again, my good friend, Mala made some friendly conversation with a Navy Attache from theUnited States...
We were delighted to be in the powder room...it was nice....
Taking this shot for my friends and the Jap Defense Attache.. we simply love his uniform...
The nice looking origami, in the entrance hall...
We left the Residence around 10.00 pm and with Maz, i made way to Putrajaya via ERL. Thanks to Mala again for dropping us in KL Sentral....
managed to get some name cards... Yup, it is important to bring name cards in this kind of event.....
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