Traditional singers, dancers go to Japan

PADANG, West Sumatra: A group of dancers and singers led by local artist Sofyani Yusaf left for Japan yesterday to take part in the three-week International Culture Exchange Program.

Invited by Nippon Seinen Kyokai (Japan Youth Association), the group will perform in 10 cities including Tokyo, Oita and Okinawa.

Sofyani said the mission is expected to help boost the number of Japanese tourists traveling to West Sumatra, especially to the scenic city of Bukittinggi. The city has for the past several years become the destination of Japanese World War II veterans who were once posted there.

The group will perform traditional numbers such as the dances of Rambun Pamenan, Indang, Payung, Piring and Pencak Silat. (01/swe)