Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Jul 5: A Japanese scholar, Prof Sumiyo Morijiri, has published work on Yakshagana and Bhootaradhane custom of coastal Karnataka in Japanese language, after undertaking in-depth study of these subjects. He also has set up a museum of artifacts relating to Tenku Thittu style of Yakshagana in Waseda University in his country.

Sumiyo is a retired professor of the said university. He has set up a drama house there and has worked as its director. During the period he was the visiting professor of Hampi University which he joined in 1994, Morijiri extensively studied about the folklore art forms of north Karnataka. After joining Mangalore University in 1996 as visiting professor, he undertook study of folk arts like Yakshagana, art and other cultural traditions.

Kala Gangotri Yakshagana Centre, Someshwar Uchila here, will be organizing felicitation to Prof Morijiri at Don Bosco Hall here at 4 pm on July 7. Retired vice chancellor of Hampi University, Prof B A Vivek Rai, will preside. Retired vice chancellor of Janapada University, Prof Chinnappa Gowda, will be the guest at this programme. New Delhi Jawaharlal Nehru University Kannada chair chief, Prof Purushotham Bilimale, will deliver congratulatory address.

At 4 pm, Sri Durga Makkala Mela Kateel will present Yakshagana performance. Meeting programme will begin at 5.15 pm. At 6.30 pm, 'Vali Moksha'l Yakshagana episode by Yakshagana Kendra Udupi and directed by Bannanje Sanjeeva Suvarna will be presented.