A Japanese Festival by The Japan Foundation, Kuala Lumpur x The Zhongshan Building
The Japan Foundation, Kuala Lumpur (JFKL) will be organising the first ever Japanese Festival “Konnichiwa Zhongshan”, a special collaboration with The Zhongshan Building at Kampung Attap from 16 to 19 December 2021. With over 20 activities scheduled during the four-day event, art and Japanese culture lovers are in for a treat with a diverse programme that is all set to entertain and engage visitors there.Fans of Japanese culture will be able to take time to indulge and experience in a diverse selection of Japanese-themed events at Festival. Among the activities in store include art exhibitions, live music gigs, workshops, talks as well as food and beverages, setting the stage for a great day out with friends and family. The unique festival is a collaboration between JFKL and the community in The Zhongshan Building, with planned activities that have elements of Japanese culture in them. Among the many events organized include “Make Your Own Bonsai Kokkedama”, Japanese inspired cocktails, and Letterpress Experience Tour & Make Your Own Christmas Card, among many others. Festival goers will also be able to get rewards by collecting stamps from participating tenants.
DATE AND TIME
16 to 19 December 2021
From 12:00 PM onwards
ADDRESS
The Zhongshan Building, 80-84 Jalan Rotan, Off Jalan Kampung Attap, 50460, Kuala Lumpur
PROGRAMME LIST
Click on any of the event type below to jump to section. You can also download a digital copy here (PDF) and here (JPG).
Kawaobi by Atelier Fitton
[82A]
16 to 19 December 2021, 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM
The English roots of Atelier Fitton gets a Japanese twist in “Kawaobi”, the atelier’s latest accessory capsule collection. “Kawaobi” features pieces made with cotton, silks, and vegetable-tanned leather from Japan.
Crafting Resistance by INKAA
[82C]
16 to 19 December 2021, 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM
An exhibition debuting INKAA’s “Crafting Resistance” batik series, which applies Japanese indigo-dyeing techniques to local traditions of batik-making. The showcase is a collaboration between INKAA and master block-makers and batik workers in Terengganu and Kelantan.
Pages From The Book of Spring
[82C]
16 to 19 December 2021, 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Taking its cue from the Japanese tradition of shunga, Dipali’s ‘Pages from the Book of Spring’ series challenges societal norms of female desire and attempts to approach history from an alternative, female-centred viewpoint.tance” batik series, which applies Japanese indigo-dyeing techniques to local traditions of batik-making. The showcase is a collaboration between INKAA and master block-makers and batik workers in Terengganu and Kelantan.
Suketobodo (Skateboarding) in Japan: A Film Screening with QuitKL by Acid Dealers
[90 (Rooftop)]
18 December 2021, 7:30 PM
A screening of a short film made by QuitKL of their adventures and encounters among the local skateboarding scenes in Osaka and Tokyo.
Gyotaku Galore by Red Hong Yi
[80B]
17 to 19 December 2021, 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Dig into the wonderful, niche world of ‘gyotaku’, an ancient Japanese printmaking art involving fish, in this exhibition of fishy prints made by Studio Red Hong Yi in 2021.
Gurafiku Cultures of Japan by Valen Lim and Asuka Watanabe
[90A]
16 to 19 December 2021, 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
This mini exhibition presents works by Japanese illustrator Asuka Watanabe and a reading room of Japanese design magazines. On sale will be new posters by Asuka in collaboration with Valenlim Studio.
Hutan Retreats by Eijin Sha
[Front of The Zhongshan Building]
Open 24/7 from 16 to 19 December 2021
Lose yourself in the sights and sounds of this unexpected rainforest within the city, the latest installation by multidisciplinary designer Ejin Sha.
An Ode to Japanese City Pop by fono
[80C]
16 to 19 December 2021, 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
An exhibition about the enduring influence of Japan’s city pop era of the late 70s to early 80s, explored through album artwork on record sleeves. Also on display are video collages inspired by the aesthetics and sounds of the era, accompanied by an exclusive audio composition by Another Universe.
Jitensha Raya – Basikal Kudrat: Bicycle Cross-Cultures in Malaysia and Japan by Balai Buku Raya, Velo Express, Jiyú Bike Works
[84 (Corridor)]
16 to 19 December 2021, 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
A visual exhibition on the wide-ranging influences of the Japanese bicycle industry on Malaysian society, economy, and subcultures.
In this simple workshop, Room 134 takes you through cultivating a kokedama that will brighten up any home. By registration only (limited pax). RM 50 per pax. Register here.
[FULL] Guided Tour of a Letterpress Machine by The Alphabet Press
[84G]
18 & 19 December 2021
Local letterpress experts The Alphabet Press takes you through the history of letterpress and gives an exclusive demonstration of the process on their vintage letterpress machines. Free entry, by registration only (limited pax).
P.I.Y. (Print It Yourself) Live Printing Workshop by Bogus Merchandise
[90 (Rooftop)]
18 & 19 December 2021, 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM
In this live printing workshop, the Bogus team will take you through the basics of silkscreen-printing, with a design by local skate brand QuitKL. You’ll also get the chance to print your own tshirt to take home. RM 99 per pax, including t-shirt.
Making the Most of Your Bike by Balai Buku Raya, Velo Express, Jiyú Bike Works
[Alleyway next to The Zhongshan Building]
19 December 2021, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
A free demonstration on how to repair the drivetrain and brake systems on your bike, and how to safely perform emergency braking. For the adventurous cyclist: a demo on how to do the “bunny hop”. Free entry, by registration only (limited pax). Call 012-899 4858 to register.
Behind the Scenes at Studio Red Hong Yi by Red Hong Yi
[Kantata]
17 December 2021, 7:30 PM
Red Hong Yi and her studio team take us behind-the-scenes in their creative process. If you’ve ever wondered how Hong Yi creates her monumental artworks, this is your chance to find out. By registration only (limited pax). Register here.
A Brief History of Japanese Bicycles by Balai Buku Raya, Velo Express and Jiyú Bike Works
[82B]
16 December 2021, 7:30 PM
Various Japanese industries have enjoyed a widespread influence in Malaysia, the bicycle industry included. Get to know the fascinating history of Japan’s bicycle industry and how it has influenced Malaysia’s economy, politics, and culture. Limited seats. Call 012-899 4858 to register.
Bicycle Cultures in Japan and Beyond by Balai Buku Raya, Velo Express and Jiyú Bike Works
[82B]
17 December 2021, 7:30 PM
A sharing session on bicycle cultures all around the world, including Japan, where cycling is more than a recreational activity; it is a common and essential form of daily transport. Could bicycle commuter culture be possible in Malaysia too? Limited seats. Call 012-899 4858 to register.
Bertandang XV by Tandang Records Store
[The Zhongshan Building]
18 December 2021, from 4:00 PM onwards
Tandang Records × Acid Dealers present a day of curated live performances, featuring local acts Defusion (postrock/ post-metal), Dull Entertainment Programme (indie rock), Eat Shit and Die (hardcore/trash), New Wax (new wave electronica), and Buddha Beat (folk/post-rock).
[FULL] Jazzu Jazzu Jazzu by fono
[80C]
17 December 2021, 8:00 PM – 12:00 AM
This Friday night is all about jazz (with a sprinkle of funk and hip hop for good measure) by uzrswl and Ruud, fono cofounders and connoisseurs of rare grooves. RSVP required.
[FULL] Relaxing Times by fono
[80C]
18 December 2021, 8:00 PM – 12:00 PM
Kick back and relax with the steady 4/4 beats of Japanese city pop, disco, and house, served up by fono’s resident boogie bossmans Kingston and Lionel Rizki. RSVP required.
Suntory Time by Kantata
[90G]
19 December 2021, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Karaoke — it’s Japan’s favourite pasttime, and ours too! Free entry, open mic all evening. Don’t forget your pink wig.
Japanese Tunes on Piano and Theremin by Kantata
[90G]
19 December 2021, 2:30 PM
Experience some classic Japanese tunes in a totally new way in this live theremin and piano performance by Adrien Kent and Jae Sern Lim.
DIY Letterpress Christmas Cards by The Alphabet Press
[84G]
Try your hand at the printing press to create your own letterpress Christmas cards, which you can keep as a memento or send to your loved ones.
ana tomy × JFKL Planners by ana tomy
[82G]
ana tomy and The Japan Foundation, Kuala Lumpur have teamed up for two limited edition cover designs featuring Japanese elements which you can use to create your own personalised planner.
Maneki Neko Merchandise by Piu Piu Piu
[80A]
Piu Piu Piu debuts their latest line of limited edition merchandise, feautring Maneki Neko (lucky cats) in a variety of colours to brighten your day and bring luck.
Kingyo Sukui by Kantata
[90G]
18 & 19 December 2021, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Spend a day fishing with paper nets at Kingyo Sukui, an interactive installation by Studio Kanta inspired by the traditional Japanese game of the same name. Cold beers lie in store for those who can catch the most fish!
Stamp Rally & Lucky Draw
[Building Wide]
Gotta catch ’em all! As you explore the building, make sure to collect stamps along the way. Once you’ve completed this stamp card, return it to ana tomy to be entered in a lucky draw with the chance to win an exclusive ana tomy × JFKL planner. More info at the info booth.
F&B
Faitokurabu by Scream Bloody Bar
[82B]
16 to 18 December 2021, 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM
19 December 2021, 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Relax and unwind with three Japanese-inspired cocktails brewed up by Shan and Emi for this week only.
Le Chou-ponais de TLB by Tommy Le Baker
[82G]
16 to 19 December 2021, 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
The latest addition to the TLB menu: a special matcha cream chou (puff) pastry made with Japonais (Japanese) ingredients. You’ll want one for yourself, and another to bring back to your special chou.
PPP Special Menu by Piu Piu Piu
[80A]
16 to 19 December 2021, 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
For one weekend only, this izakaya-inspired joint will be serving up a special alcoholic menu that includes Japanese-style highballs, ume sour, and yuzu sour.
ABOUT THE ZHONGSHAN BUILDING
Located close to Petaling Street, the Zhongshan Building houses an eclectic set of creative businesses and private studios, with artisans and aficionados emerging art and artisanal sourdough, independent booksellers and underground musicians, letterpress-ers and silkscreen-ers, coffees and suits, law and punk records.
