Amin Abbas

SHARJAH: The UAE-Japan Cultural Center held an event to celebrate the new year on Jan. 18 at Sharjah’s House of Wisdom in the UAE, featuring Japanese activities such as: Japanese Tea Ceremony, Kakizome (Japanese calligraphy) and Kenbu (Japanese Sword Dance) .

Naoko Kishida, founder and director of the UAE-Japan culture center, celebrated everyone at the event and made an opening speech in which she spoke about the center’s history in the UAE.

“The house of wisdom is very supportive and cooperative for us. The students enjoy its beautiful facilities. The New Year event always brings our past and present students together and we feel like one family. As usual, the preparation took time and concentration. But our staffs very well prepared for the events,” Kishida said about this year’s event.

“We had different activities at the event such as Kenbu (Japanese Sword Dance), which is a dance with a Japanese sword and it’s led with Shigin (Poem), and sometimes the dancer uses a fan as well. Since the ancient era, “the dance of the sword”, which simulates holding swords to cut off invisible evil spirits, has been inherited. It is a part of “Kagura” (“God-entertainment”), a type of Shinto ritual ceremonial dance.”

“We also held a Japanese Tea Ceremony, which is performed to welcome the guests. The master chooses the most appropriate tea powder, room decoration, words on the wall decoration, teacup, flower (ikebana) on the floor, sweets, timing, etc. for the guests. It’s not only hosting a ceremony but is a part of the welcoming culture of Japan,” she added.

“Guests also enjoyed Kakizome (Japanese Calligraphy), where many Japanese write a new year wish or determination as a calligraphy at the beginning of the year,” Kishida said.

“There was also the Japanese Quiz, where different teams of students compete for the quiz about Japan. The winner of the highest scored three groups won a lot of gifts from Japan.”

About the feedback of the visitors who came to the event, Kishida said, “We got a lot of positive feedback as everyone enjoy this event every year. That’s why we have many repeaters every year and they complete their knowledge about Japan.”

Regarding the center’s upcoming activities, Kishida said: “After Ramadan, the UAE-Japan Cultural Center will start Term 3 of the Japanese Language course. During Ramadan, we plan to have Iftar with Japanese and language students. In April, there is a Japanese delegation coming for the UAE study tour. And in May, will make the Kansai Expo Tour 2025. Our students and their family are welcome to join the tour.”

The UAE-Japan Cultural Center is a non-profit organization that was established with the purpose of building a mutually beneficial relationship between UAE communities and Japanese residents.