BUNKASAI – Gakko No Reminiscence

Early morning on a beautiful Sunday, my friends and I stopped a Semarang-Solo public bus (with AC) and headed to Solo. Flashback for a week before, my friends who take Japanese study told about this “Bunkasai” (or literally, “Culture Festival”) that would be held by one of senior high school in Solo and invited me to join them. I immediately said yes, because I though that it would be a different and interesting experience, especially to spend my holiday. Also, to see Japanese cultural festival was not an every day event.

By the help of Google Map, finally we found the school on foot (after getting off from the bus). Such an achievement, wasn’t it! This “Bunkasai” is an annual event held by SMAN 4 Surakarta. The entrance ticket was Rp8,000 plus two stickers. One more unique (or strange) thing, we got stamped on our neck or little bit lower to side shoulder (Yes, it should be there! Not on hand, arm or cheek).

The theme of this Bunkasai was “Gakko No Reminiscence”. It used two languages: Japanese and English. I gave a part in translating the English one, hehehe. So, the theme was about “school memories”.

We were welcomed by lots of stands made from bamboo at the school yard. Japanese food stands, K-drama stands, J-drama stands, manga comic and CD, cosplay, and many more. There was also a big stage at the center of the yard. A lot of bands specialized in Japanese songs would be performed there. Many Japanese cultures were introduced such as Japanese’s traditional martial art, Taiko, etc.

 

 

The most interesting and amazing part was the cosplay competition. Many contestants wore their costume based on manga comic or game. They were extremely total in their costumes, background music, style, way to move, etc.