Founder of Sakuranesia Foundation, Tovic Rustam, confirmed in Jakarta on Friday that the event featured renowned makeup artist and creative director of Jember Fashion Carnival (JFC), Bubah Alfian, alongside contemporary Japanese painter Inoue Bunta.
The cultural dialogue was supported by Indonesia's National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas), the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo, and various industrial and cultural partners from both countries.
"The event also featured President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto’s pet cat, Captain Bobby, as the cultural dialogue icon," Tovic said, who attended the event alongside fellow Sakuranesia founder, Sakura Ijuin.
Tovic emphasized that Sakuranesia, as a social foundation, aims to deepen Indonesia-Japan relations through diverse arts and cultural activities. The Indonesia-Japan cultural exchange event was titled “Friend-Ship: Indonesia–Japan Cultural Dialogue.”
Bubah and Bunta engaged in an active dialogue discussing traditions and innovations shaping creativity and culture in both nations during a session called "Essence of Life: Clothing, Food, and Shelter." Bubah wore an Indonesian handcrafted batik styled as a traditional Japanese kimono.
"This is the first time I have worn a kimono-style outfit. It is very comfortable, suitable for various occasions, and quite delightful," Bubah remarked.
Bubah shared that this experience reflected the beauty of cultural fusion, which is not only visually captivating but also functional in everyday life. Bubah also invited international painter Inoue Bunta to attend the Jember Fashion Carnival (JFC) on August 8-10, 2025.
Bubah and Bunta plan to collaborate on a performance blending traditional arts from both Indonesia and Japan, delivering a message of world peace at JFC 2025.
The two figures also signed a limited-edition T-shirt featuring Captain Bobby as a souvenir, with Bunta gifting Bubah an art book.
In addition, Bunta performed spontaneous live painting, completing a rose in just three minutes, which was warmly received by guests and attendees.
The session also featured Japanese music group NEW STANDARDS and idol group Shiritsu Ebisu Chugaku, who energized the event with youthful spirit from both countries.
Renowned young Japanese photographer Kenta Karima documented the event, while Indonesian student representative in Japan, Muhammad Rizal Pabuarany, symbolized youth exchange between the two nations.
Meanwhile, Ambient provided costumes for the performers and Leins Entertainment produced T-shirts featuring Captain Bobby, highlighting the close collaboration between creators from Japan and Indonesia.
Japanese influencer Nanako Shibasaki, who served as the event's host, facilitated a communicative presentation that naturally bridged cross-cultural interaction.
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Translator: Citro, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Primayanti
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