The Japanese Literature Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Sumatera Utara (FIB USU), held Aotake Matsuri 2024 on October 26–27, 2024. The Japanese cultural festival carried the theme “色づく世界 (Irozuku Sekai),” meaning “A Colorful World,” with the subtheme “To Create a Colorful World in the Future.”
Aotake Matsuri 2024 served as an initiative to introduce and broaden public understanding of Japanese culture through various activities. The event was not only intended as entertainment but also provided an educational space for students and the community to learn more about Japanese values, traditions, and cultural arts. Various activities, including competitions, exhibitions, and cultural performances, were featured as part of the festival.
The organization of Aotake Matsuri was also driven by growing public interest in various forms of Japanese culture in Indonesia, ranging from anime, manga, and music to cuisine. Through the festival, the Japanese Literature Study Program, FIB USU, provided students and members of the community, particularly those in Medan, with an opportunity to learn about and appreciate Japanese culture directly.
The series of activities also featured performances showcasing both Japanese and Indonesian cultures. The Consul General of Japan in Medan, Takonai Susumu, and his wife attended the opening of Aotake Matsuri on October 26, 2024. On the occasion, the Consul General delivered remarks and watched several performances, including traditional Malay dance, Kendo, Yosakoi, and an Omikoshi parade.
In addition to cultural performances, the festival featured various competitions and exhibition areas that participants and members of the public could take part in and visit. Student involvement in the various activities was an important part of Aotake Matsuri, providing students with experience in event management and organization while giving them an opportunity to introduce Japanese culture to the community.
Aotake Matsuri 2024 also served as a meeting point between Japanese and Indonesian cultures. Although Japanese culture was the festival’s primary focus, several activities incorporated elements of Indonesian culture. This provided visitors with an opportunity to learn about Japanese culture while continuing to appreciate Indonesia’s cultural diversity.
The enthusiasm of the community was reflected in the attendance of visitors from various age groups, ranging from children and school students to university students and the general public. The various performances, competitions, and bazaar areas made the festival a space for broader cultural interaction involving students and the community. According to reporting by Suara USU, Aotake Matsuri 2024 attracted more than 5,000 visitors in a single day.
The organization of Aotake Matsuri 2024 also demonstrated the role of students from the Japanese Literature Study Program, FIB USU, in developing cultural activities. The organizing committee involved students from various cohorts who contributed to preparing and carrying out the series of events. Their involvement provided organizational experience while also forming part of the students’ learning process beyond the classroom.
Through Aotake Matsuri 2024, the Japanese Literature Study Program, FIB USU, contributed to strengthening the role of higher education institutions in introducing and developing public understanding of Japanese culture. The presence of various cultural elements at the festival also created opportunities for interaction among students, the community, and parties with connections to Japan.
Aotake Matsuri 2024 served as a cultural activity that brought together education, creativity, and cultural interaction. Through the theme “Irozuku Sekai” or “A Colorful World,” the event is expected to continue serving as a space for students and the community to learn about Japanese culture while strengthening cultural ties between Indonesia and Japan.
