The 8th Belait Travel Fair this March. Click image to check out updates on Facebook.

The Minister of Youth, Culture and Sports with the Japanese Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam during the launch of The Spirit of Budō yesterday

So you want to know more about the history of Japanese martial arts? It’s a good thing such display is now available in Brunei and you can view them at the Brunei Museum, Kota Batu which will be available until the 24th March.

You will be able to view reproduction armour and helmets that were used for Japanese martial arts. It’s also interesting to know the culture of Japanese martial arts back dated to the 8th century and now some of the arts have been translated into an international sport.

The Japanese Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam, Kenichi Suganuma said “The exhibition consists of two parts: the first part showcases both the original weapons and the replicas, as well as the development and changes of Japanese martial arts from 8th Century to 9th Century.”

“The second part of the exhibition displays the reorganisation of Bujustsu to Budo in the 19th and 20th Centuries and how the spirit of martial arts is incorporated into the daily life of the Japanese today.”

The event was co-organised by Embassy of Japan to Brunei Darussalam, Brunei Museums Department at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and Japan Foundation.

The Japanese Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam, Kenichi Suganuma

Bantong Antaran, Director of Brunei Museums Department

The Minister officiating the launch of the exhibition

 

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Zumba has taken Brunei by storm in the past year and the interest is growing strongly. There’s even royal support for Zumba charity drive activities. Image taken by James Kon of Borneo Bulletin.

Last week I posted a screen shot of Zumba related article written in the “Letters to the Editors” section of The Brunei Times. I thought it was an interesting view and I didn’t know it was gonna raise a lot of eyebrows, judging from the the comments coming in on my Facebook and instagram. It was the most commented image I posted and it’s good that people are engaging with interesting views and comment and of course, let’s not boil it out of proportion by calling names and attacking individuals unnecessary.

Anyway, you want to know want to know what’s my take on this? I have always look at the intention of the events or activities. Then again, knowing Brunei and its culture especially when you take MIB into account, sometimes individuals will focus on actions rather than the (good) intentions. Whatever it is, everyone’s entitled to his/her opinions and we should learn to respect the opinions of others and respond in a constructive way.

I do agree on both sides of the views but I believe in living in moderation with MIB. It would have been articulate should the writer of the opinion wrote his or her reasons to why Zumba activities is in appropriate for fundraiser for Gaza. I won’t go in depth to my thoughts because I know it will open up another (level of) can of worms *lol* Let’s keep a healthy conversation and thanks to those who responded to my question.

For people’s comments, you can click here and here.

The article that caused some stir in my Facebook and instagram

Comments taken from my instagram account. Click image to view more.