Visitors to the Mabohai Shopping Complex Art Avenue were thrilled by the launch of local photographer ‘Forest’ Lim Han’s exhibition celebrating the beauty of Japan. Launched in conjunction to celebrate the 40th year of Japan-Brunei diplomatic relations and trade. The show aptly captured beautiful landmarks and other aspects of Japanese life through Han’s artful eye. Has has been visiting Japan regularly to capture images of the unique culture. The rise of Japan’s popularity as a tourist destination for Borneans is evident with the number of tourist arrivals from Brunei rising by an incredible 5,000 arrivals from 2022 to 2023.
Using photography as a form of cultural connection and diplomacy was not his intention when starting out years ago, but Han found himself and Japanese friends he’d made along the way becoming mutually intrigued by each other’s culture and country. Han was also a former president of the Brunei Japan Friendship Association Universiti Brunei Darussalam Chapter, and a co-founding member of Brunei Daily Snaps Photography with 49,000 Facebook followers. Their photographs has been featured on the most famous Japanese accounts that publishes photos of Brunei’s incredible views. His Excellency Toru Maeda. Ambassador of Japan to Brunei Darussalam, was present to launch the exhibition and was visibly pleased as he chatted with Han about each photo.
