A grand celebration marking Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s 80th birthday was held at the Global Ring Theatre in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, on June 22. The event featured various Myanmar cultural programs, health services, children’s entertainment, and numerous other services. The festival included stalls selling traditional Myanmar food, free health check-up corners dedicated to ‘Mother Suu,’ children’s play areas, labor consultation corners where workers could discuss their concerns, an exhibition featuring photographs of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and traditional thanaka (Myanmar cosmetic paste) corners.
The main stage of the event showcased birthday wishes for Mother Suu, traditional Myanmar anyeint performances, ethnic cultural dances, revolutionary songs, and inspirational music performances. The program also included a fashion show featuring traditional Myanmar costumes and poetry recitations, which captivated the audience. This celebration was organized by Myanmar people in Japan and international supporters as a gesture of respect and appreciation for Myanmar’s democracy leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.
The festival placed special emphasis on Myanmar’s cultural arts, successfully introducing the country’s cultural heritage to the international community. Particularly through traditional thanaka and Myanmar cuisine, the event showcased the beauty of Myanmar culture. Additionally, through labor discussion forums, important conversations were held regarding the rights and social development of Myanmar workers in Japan. The event served as both a cultural celebration and a platform for addressing practical concerns of the Myanmar community in Japan, while honoring the legacy and continuing influence of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in the struggle for democracy in Myanmar.
