Amin Abbas

DUBAI: Japan Festival 2024 was held on Dec. 8 in Dubai and and featured authentic Japanese activities such as: Japanese Omatsuri- style stall, bon-dance, Japanese drums, music performances and lots of Japanese foods and products.

Consul-General of Japan in Dubai, IMANISHI Jun welcomed everyone at the Japan Festival as it has become an important platform of promoting and experiencing Japanese culture in the UAE and strengthening the relationship between the two countries.

Tadahiro Matsushita, the Chairman of Japan Festival Executive Committee told Arab News Japan that this year’s theme was ‘Kanade -ensemble- United in Spirit, Together We Create a Festival Harmony.’

Matsuhita explained that this year, a new feature of attraction was introduced, which was a stamp rally / stage millionaire challenge.

“The new feature generated many interactions across the site, which meets the theme,” he explained.

“Also, we invited Jamila Navagharwala, who achieved Guinness Record for the highest number of Origami Swan and we used it at our venue. we also enjoyed Bon Odori, which was recognized as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in broad sense,” he added.

Matsuhita said that the festival is usually organized with the help of volunteers from the Japanese community in Dubai.

“Together, with 30 Japan Festival Executive Committee members who dedicated to the entire planning for 5 months and more than 230 people who contributed on the day as volunteer staff, it was a challenge to put everything together,” he explained.

“But this is the essence of Japan Festival in Dubai – the power of Japanese community in the UAE.”

Matsushita mentioned that everyone who attended the Japan Festival this year had such a great time experiencing the real feeling of Japan.

“This event is the most anticipated Japanese cultural event of the year,” Japan in Arabia founder Jason Ishida told Arab News Japan. “There were so many people in Japanese dress, such as kimono yukata and cosplay. It’s amazing to see the influence of Japanese culture in the Middle East region.”

“We were lucky enough this year to lead a washi tape workshop and it was a huge hit with the visitors, mostly younger targeted at a younger audience. Many stayed for hours on end unleashing their creativity. Overall, the response from both kids and parents was overwhelmingly positive,” he added.

The Japan Festival usually takes place every December in the UAE city, to bring together the Japanese community and those interested in the Asian culture.