The Pune University of Japanese Association (PUJA) recently organized an exhibition displaying different cultural, social and economical aspects of Japan.

The exhibition was spread over five halls, three located on the first floor while two on the ground. The event was held with an aim to boost the students pursuing education in the language at the Department of Foreign languages, located at the Ranade Institute campus, and also to make the citizens aware of the rich heritage the country possesses. 
There were ongoing demonstrations on Origami, an art of paper folding, and Kirigamy an art of paper cutting. "Paper was equivalent to God for the Japanese, who never waste even a tiny bit of it. The art, supposed to be a domain of only a handful of rich people, propagated later among the common populace," informed Surabhi, a student who showed handful of demos on the two art forms.
There were displays depicting different seasons in Japan. Another student informed the visitors about how the currency developed and that the German Bank printed the notes for Japan many years. Hinamisuri dolls were the star attraction on the ground floor until Cityplus discovered that the hall on the first floor reserved for the visitors to get draped in traditional wear, 'Yukata' and get their photos clicked. The students helped the visitors put on the colorful attires.
Another group of students presented a 3D model of river water management in Tokyo were underground tunnel served as water reservoir when river gets flooded. The project that demands huge budget is being implemented owing to preserve precious natural resource and looking at the space crunch in the crowded Metropolitan city, informed the student. The visitors, who were amazed due to advanced technology and the idea implemented in the project, opined that even India should replicate such initiatives.
 There was replica of Purikura vending machine which gives instant edited photos. A coin box fitted at the entrance is a unique idea, according to the student stationed there. The other special attractions were calligraphy shows, a Japanese film show in different halls.

--SANJEEVANI DIDMISHE