Japanese version of Lat's 'Kampung Boy' at TIBF Japan

The Japanese version of the graphic novel, 'Kampung Boy', by national cartoonist Datuk Mohammad Khalid or 'Lat' as he is popularly known, will be among the publications that Malaysia would display at the 21st Tokyo International Book Fair (TIBF) in Japan from July 2 until July 5.

Malaysian Institute of Translation and Books, managing director and CEO Mohd Khair Ngadiron said aside from the Kampung Boy novel, Malaysia as the theme country would also promote the 'wayang kulit' at the fair.

"Malaysia's participation is very significant as it is the first country in Asean to be chosen as theme country since the launch of the TIBF, 20 years ago.

"We are hoping very much to capitalise on this opportunity and targeting long term trade relations with the international publications industry," he said when contacted by Bernama.

He said the trade mission comprising 20 national publication delegates would be bringing along 1,500 titles to the land of the rising sun.

Mohd Khair who will be heading Malaysia's delegation said the translated Japanese version of the graphic novel, 'Kampung Boy' would be exhibited from the first day of the fair, simultaneously with the launch of the Malaysian Pavilion.

"The wayang kulit will be a combined performance with the Japanese traditional puppet theatre, Edo Ito Ayatsuri Ningyo, as a unity metaphor of two different cultures," he said.

Meanwhile, he said Malaysia's selection as the theme country also provided the Tourism and Culture Ministry the avenue to promote Visit Malaysia Year 2014 at the fair through Tourism Malaysia.

Malaysia as the theme country is also getting publicity benefit through the TIBF marketing collateral which started distributing promotional material six months ago to more than two million recipients in more than 25 countries.