Amin Abbas

ABU DHABI: The activities of the 19th edition of the International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX 2022) will start on Monday, with the participation of more than 900 companies and brands from 58 countries, organized by the Emirates Falconers Club from September 26 to October 2.

In celebration of the fifty years of friendship between the UAE and Japan, JODCO INPEX Group will present several activities that reflect the true essence of the Japanese culture, which include the falconry shows, traditional Japanese tea ceremonies, falconry equipment making, artworks depicting Japanese and Emirati heritage, as well as many musical and art performances. Moreover, samurai swordsmiths will also take part in the Exhibition, and children will have the chance to experience the taste of falcon and horse-shaped candy, passionately prepared by an expert candy maker. In addition to horseback archery, attracting enthusiasts from various cultural backgrounds.

Exclusively to Arab News Japan, Deputy General Manager, Administration & CSR at JODCO, Yoshio Tanaka said about their participation at ADIHEX 2022: “This year is a commemorative year for between the UAE and Japan because of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. In order to celebrate it, we will exhibit the anniversary logo and the picture that mixes the UAE & Japan drawn by the Emirati artist Abdulla Lutfi.”

About distinguishing JODCO’s participation at this year’s edition of ADIHEX from the previous years, Tanaka said: “Comparing with last year’s edition of ADIHEX, we are expecting more visitors will come to the venue as well as our booth. In order to make visitors know more about the Japanese culture and make them enjoy, we will have many performers & exhibitors such as Falconers, Swordsmith, Candy artist, Horseback archery and Japanese drum performers from both Japan and UAE in this year’s event.”

“In addition, we will introduce “Kumon” in our booth as a new experience for visitors at our booth. This is the Japanese mathematic learning method, so that children can learn with joy about what the Japanese learning method is. We want visitors to feel like travelling Japan, so we will exhibit some Japanese scenery photos in our booth,” he added.

About his recommendations for those who are looking forward to visit JODCO’s booth at ADIHEX 2022, Tanaka said: “You can enjoy talking to some performers & exhibitors about the specific exhibited objects such as swords, Japanese falcons, candy arts, Yabusame (horseback archery) as well have some experiences such as folding papers, Japanese calligraphy, Japanese mathematic learning and Japanese tea.”

Moreover, you can enjoy performances of Wadaiko (Japanese drums), Yabusame (horseback archery), Koto (Japanese harp), Ikebana (Flower arrangement), etc… We have big confidence to make visitors enjoy in our booth,” he added.

On this occasion, Majid Ali Al Mansouri, Chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee and Secretary General of the Emirates Falconers’ Club emphasized the importance of keeping falconry alive by interacting with falconers from other cultures, and stated that the barriers of language and culture have never been an issue in that regard. Falconry is a universal sport that gives falconers tremendous feelings of joy and happiness regardless of where they are in the world. Falconers have a lot in common. The charm and beauty of this sport brings us closer together.

He added that the relationship between Emirati and Japanese falconers started around a quarter of a century ago, but the unique friendship between the UAE and Japan dates back even further, nearly half a century. Moreover, he described their visit to Japan as beautiful and unforgettable. They were warmly welcomed by the Japanese falconers who showed unmatched hospitality and kindness.”

Al Mansouri explained that Japanese falconry derives its value from the Japanese culture, which is such a unique one in its own right, and the Japanese traditions are reflected through the impressive set of falconry tools. Japan has distinctive schools that teach falconry using traditional Japanese methods, and through our visit we had a unique opportunity to delve deep into the ancient cultural heritage of Japan.

Furthermore, Al Mansouri invited the Japanese community in the UAE, which numbered more than 5000 members, as well as the many Japanese tourists to visit the Exhibition and enjoy the various shows and events that will take place there.

It is noteworthy that the friendly relations between the UAE and Japan have been going strong for fifty years. However, over the past years, this cooperation between them has developed into a more advanced strategic partnership.

Diplomatic ties between the two countries were first established in May 1972. Japan is one of the first countries in the world to establish diplomatic ties with the UAE. Since then, these historical relations have continued to evolve, and yielded immense growth and prosperity for both sides.

Officials of the two countries are keen to strengthen and expand cooperation towards building a brighter future. The two countries have strong relationships in various arenas, including culture and arts, traditional and renewable energy, technology, and space programs, as well as scientific and academic exchange. The UAE and Japan will remain strong partners in dealing with various international issues, along with the strength of their trade and economic relations.