KUCHING: In an inspiring address during the opening ceremony of the Japanese Film Festival (JFF) 2024 at the Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC) CityONE Megamall, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, the Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts, urged the people of Sarawak to draw inspiration from Japanese customs and social development. His reflections on a personal experience during a family trip to Japan highlighted the admirable values that can be embraced by Malaysians.
A Lesson from Japan: Integrity and Responsibility
Recalling a memorable incident from his trip, Abdul Karim shared how his son accidentally left his pouch on a coach. To his amazement, the pouch was returned two hours later, thanks to the bus driver’s dedication in tracing their hotel. “I still remember when we were in Japan, my son left his pouch in a coach. Two hours later, it was still there, and the driver made an effort to trace our hotel and return it to us,” he recounted.
He poignantly contrasted this experience with the reality in Kuching, stating, “If this had happened in Kuching or Malaysia, the pouch would be gone within five minutes.” This anecdote underscores the importance of integrity and responsibility in everyday life, values that Abdul Karim believes Sarawakians should emulate.
Cultural Examples Worth Emulating
The Minister further illustrated the commendable behavior of Japanese football fans during the World Cup, who made headlines for their initiative to clean up after matches. “For example, Japanese fans made headlines worldwide for picking up trash and bottles after the World Cup games,” he stated. He emphasized, “We can even sleep in the public toilets in Japan if we want to. This is the kind of behavior and culture we should aim to emulate and adopt.”
His comments highlight the cultural differences in societal norms and behaviors, where cleanliness and communal responsibility are prioritized. Abdul Karim’s call to action serves as a reminder of the potential for societal improvement by adopting similar practices in Sarawak.
The Significance of Cultural Exchange
During his address, Abdul Karim expressed his joy at officiating the 20th JFF 2024, marking the 12th iteration of the festival held in Kuching. “I’m very happy and glad to be able to officiate again this year,” he said. The Minister highlighted the importance of cultural exchanges, emphasizing that they foster collaboration and understanding among diverse groups.
“Opportunities to host cultural exchanges like this one encourage collaboration and learning from each other. Cultural events, music festivals, and film festivals, such as the What About Kuching (WAK) and JFF, help create space for the arts and culture to thrive, be it film, theatre, music, or literature, promoting collaboration and sharing among people from all walks of life,” he elaborated.
An Invitation to the Japanese Community
In a gesture of goodwill, Abdul Karim extended an invitation to the Japanese community, encouraging them to visit Sarawak and experience its unique cultural melting pot. “You will always be welcome to Sarawak; bring your families and friends because we’ve got a lot of interesting places for you to visit down here, and we are always more than happy to assist,” he said, highlighting Sarawak’s rich cultural diversity.
He also congratulated the Japan Foundation, Kuala Lumpur, and GSC for their collaboration in making the festival a success. “Congratulations to the Japan Foundation, KL, and GSC for another successful JFF, and may they continue to do so for many years to come,” he expressed.
A Diverse Line-up at JFF 2024
The JFF 2024, running from October 10-13 at GSC CityONE Megamall, features a diverse line-up of over 12 films spanning various genres, including drama, sci-fi, romance, thriller, and animation. Film enthusiasts can explore the festival’s offerings by visiting the official JFF website for a complete listing of film synopses, showtimes, and additional information: JFF Official Website.
As Sarawakians reflect on the values shared by Abdul Karim, they are reminded of the potential for growth and development through cultural emulation. By adopting the admirable customs of other nations, particularly Japan, the people of Sarawak can work towards a more responsible and community-oriented society.