Singing Summer, Sharing Cultures: A Celebration of Japanese Spirit in Hyderabad!
On 17th May 2025, the spirit of Japan came alive at Na Ra JAPAN HUB with the successful hosting of ナツクル (Natsukuru) – a joyful summer karaoke event organized in collaboration with The Hyderabad Anime Club (THAC). Natsukuru, a blend of tradition, music, language, and community, was not just an event but an immersive experience aimed at promoting Japanese culture and deepening the bonds between Japan and India.
What is Natsukuru?
The name “Natsukuru” (ナツクル) is a warm blend of two Japanese words – “Natsu” (夏), meaning summer, and “Kuru” (来る), meaning to come or arrive. Symbolically, Natsukuru represents the arrival of summer joy, community spirit, and cultural exchange. True to its name, this event welcomed guests of all ages into a vibrant world of Japanese traditions, language, and entertainment, all centered around the fun and heart of summer!
The day began with warm introductions. First, the team at Na Ra JAPAN HUB welcomed attendees, offering a glimpse into our vision of being a bridge between India and Japan through language, education, and culture. This was followed by a lively introduction from our collaborators, The Hyderabad Anime Club, whose passion for Japanese pop culture brought an enthusiastic energy to the space. The event then kicked off with an exciting “Nihongo no Kotoba” quiz – a light-hearted Japanese language challenge that had everyone smiling, guessing, learning, and winning delightful prizes. This interactive session helped both learners and enthusiasts engage with Japanese vocabulary in a fun and meaningful way.
Next came the Origami session, a moment of calm creativity. Participants, young and old, folded delicate paper swans, butterflies, and other shapes while learning the deep cultural significance behind this traditional Japanese art. The session encouraged mindfulness, curiosity, and appreciation for the simplicity and elegance of Japanese aesthetics.
Following the session, guests were taken on a guided tour of the Na Ra JAPAN HUB museum, a space dedicated to showcasing authentic Japanese artifacts. Visitors marveled at the stunning display of Kokeshi dolls, Hinamatsuri (Girl’s Day) dolls, Daruma figures, Japanese calligraphy scrolls and many more Japanese cultural artifcats and the guests engaged with the displays with wonder and thoughtful curiosity.
The tour also included a stop at our cozy mini library, home to a hand-picked collection of manga, language guides, and books on Japanese history and customs, offering a quiet haven for cultural exploration.
The event continued with an exciting Anime Quiz, where passionate anime fans eagerly put their knowledge to the test. Fans jumped right in, showing off their knowledge of characters, story arcs, and fun trivia. There were lots of laughs, some intense thinking, and a ton of cheering when winners were announced. Participants showcased their love for anime and won exciting prizes, including exclusive merchandise from Japan, Osaka Expo souvenirs, and colorful anime posters. It was a total blast and definitely one of the day’s highlights!
After a short snack break filled with laughter and conversations, it was time for the most awaited segment of the day: Karaoke!
Karaoke Magic: The Heartbeat of Natsukuru!
With the mic in hand and passion in their voices, participants sang their hearts out to Japanese songs – from nostalgic anime openings to J-pop chartbusters. Whether it was a confident solo, a group chorus, or even a shy first attempt, every performance was met with enthusiastic cheers and encouragement. The karaoke session truly captured the heart of Natsukuru – joy, connection, celebration and the summer spirit. It felt like the perfect way to wrap up a day full of culture, creativity, and community!
The event drew to a close with heartfelt words from Mrs. Naganath and Mr. Rama Bhadra, the founders of Na Ra JAPAN HUB. They spoke about the growing interest in Japanese culture in India, the importance of language as a bridge between worlds, and their ongoing mission to create more platforms for meaningful cultural exchange. Their words resonated deeply with the audience and left everyone inspired for what’s to come. Natsukuru 2025 was not just a summer event – it was a shared story, a celebration of cross-cultural friendship, and a memory that will linger for long. We extend our gratitude to The Hyderabad Anime Club and each and every participant, volunteer, and partner who made it possible! Stay connected for more events like these from Na Ra Japan Hub, as we continue to open doors to the rich traditions, languages, and stories of Japan – right here in Hyderabad.
