Preserving and sharing traditional cultural practices
The traditional practices of Māori and Japanese have continued for hundreds of years and represent a wide range of unique skills and knowledge that should be passed down complete to future generations.
Cultural exchange are beneficial to all who are involved if it is done with a specific purpose and good guidance. Our focus is on using cultural exchange as one means of preserving traditional practices through sharing and learning between practitioners from Japan and Aotearoa. We have many traditional practices and culture in common, and can learn many things from each other to add to our kete and help us both grow and develop our respective practices in a modern, international context, as well as at home.
The fundamental cultural philosophies and underlying concepts of Japanese and Māori share many similarities, more than just the outward skills and techniques of the art. In both cultures practices are based on and intertwined with a deeper tikanga and reigi that is an inseparable aspect of the practice.
By sharing experience though these traditional practices on both sides, we can learn from each other and rekindle interest from a wider range of people. The new ideas may fill in gaps in knowledge or lead to new understanding of recreating lost techniques or ideas, and with a capacity to show and share the practice internationally comes a new coolness and attraction that boosts participation in these practices. Sharing experiences creates friendships and connections that are long lasting and meaningful, with the capacity to further influence the positive growth of the practices into the future.
