Book launch draws attention to Japanese culture

AMMAN — A recently published novel, titled, “Blues at the River Sumida”, which was launched in Amman on Saturday, has brought attention to Japanese culture, way of life and appreciation of beauty.

Authored by Dawoud Al Borini, the novel highlights the life of a young man in his home town of Zarqa, since the early days of the 1967 war, his growing up and travelling, at a later stage to Tokyo.

While meeting with a friend there, the protagonist highlights the tourist attractions and the positive aspects of life in Japan.

The protagonist presents his perspectives about the Middle East and its political transformations between 1967 and 2009, and shares them with his Japanese friend through a lengthy dialogue on the shores of the River Sumida. 

He offers his own perspective of events that he believes have influenced the lives of Arabs and brought about political and economic changes in the region.

He also underscores the positive aspects of Japan, such as the people’s diligence, the country’s efficient transport system and its security.

At the book launch, held at Al Khaimeh Community Ecumenical Centre of the Evangelical Lutheran Good Shepherd Church, speakers attempted to give answers to questions raised by the author, mainly on Arab identity and why they tend to be quite serious. 

Second Secretary at the Japanese embassy, Eisaku Ikegami, who attended the ceremony, explained that his compatriots have a strong feeling for beauty and they manage to feel it and touch it in everything around them.

Speaking in Arabic, he said the Japanese find beauty in birds’ twittering, snow, trees and everyday things. 

Eisaku pointed out that the Japanese find and appreciate the beauty of things, even in small spaces and during difficult times, highlighting modern Japan and developments in his country.  

Speaking at the ceremony, MP Atef Kawar, a member of the Jordanian-Japanese Friendship Society, underscored the strong relations between Amman and Tokyo and the need to boost cooperation.

Moderated by Journalist Ibrahim Al Sawair, the ceremony was attended by scores of Jordanians with an interest in literature.