Tokyo, Khaldon Azhari

An exhibition of Palestinian traditional clothing and Palestinian-influenced Japanese obi was held on Nov. 6-7 at the Allamanda Hotel in Tokyo.

The exhibition was put up by Maali Siam, wife of the Palestinian ambassador to Japan, in cooperation with Maki Yamamoto-Arakawa, a cultural exchange pioneer who has visited Palestine more than 20 times.

The first of the two-part exhibition contained traditional Palestinian costumes belonging to Siam’s mother-in-law, the mother of the ambassador, who had had the pieces for many years.

The outfits on display were made by hand using cross-stitch embroidery, a traditional handicraft that has been handed down from mothers to daughters in Palestine for generations.

Most of the designs and motifs represent life from local villages and towns, with each region having its own unique style. The traditional costumes can be thought of as symbolizing Palestine’s identity and long history.

The second part of the exhibition showcased the blending of Palestinian cross-stitching techniques and Japanese obi, or kimono sashes.

Yamamoto-Arakawa came up with the idea of combining the two traditions and had the unique obi made by hand in Palestine by refugees.

The event was attended by a great number of visitors and Japanese public figures, including representatives from various embassies in Japan, and Kaori Kono, wife of the defense minister, who gave an address at its opening.