Students visualize Japan on canvas
By Khalid Amin

ISLAMABAD—Japan children art competition and speech contest was held here Wednesday at National Art Gallery to promote creative sensitivity among the young talent of Pakistan.
The event was the part of the Japan-Pakistan Friendship Fest-2007, was organized by the Embassy of Japan in collaboration with Pakistan-Japan Cultural Association (PJCA) and MEXT Alumni Association of Pakistan (MAAP).
More than 100 students from 33 different schools of the twin cities participated in the art competition and the speech contest.
The theme of the Children Art Competition was “How I visualize Japan on Canvas” whereas the theme for the Speech Contest was “How can Japan become a role model for Pakistan.”
The young artists showcased ideas about the social and cultural lifeof Japan in the era of modern technology through their art work with the medium of poster colours.
Display of artistic skills highlighted the concepts of peace, friendship with the images of “Buddha”, architecture and other items including the Japanese Fan style.
Students from 12 to 14 years of age group demonstrated their talent in the speech contest featuring the progress of Japan and considering its economic conditions as a role model for Pakistan.
Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, Seiji Kojima speaking on the occasion appreciated the creativity and skills of students in portraying the aspects of Japan with intricate selection of colours and techniques.
“Such events help in making Pakistan-Japan relationship stronger and also provide an opportunity for youngsters to understand Japanese culture,” he observed.
In the speech contest, Miss Maryam from Roots School System got firstposition while Sundas Rauf, OPF Girls College and Saif Jamshed, City School obtained second and third positions respectively.
Yasmin Khan, OPF Girls College got first position in the art competition whereas Xarlish Amjad from Roots School System and Mahnoor Bashir, Presentation Convent remained second and third respectively for highlighting the heritage and architecture of Japan.
Later certificates were distributed among the students by Ghulam Rasool, renowned painter, Seiji Kojima and representatives from Embassy of Japan.