Amin Abbas

DUBAI: JODCO brings true Japanese essence to Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) that took place from Sept.26 until Oct. 2.

JODCO INPEX brought true Japanese perception to the ADIHEX 2022 through presenting traditional showpieces ranging from falconry shows and falconry equipment making to tea ceremonies and musical performances.

TAKAHASHI Isao, executive officer of INPEX, talked exclusively to Arab News Japan about the achievements and challenges they faced with participating in ADIHEX. “We have featured in our booth several Japanese traditional showpieces to introduce our culture to UAE for promoting cross-cultural understandings and enhancing the tie between the two countries. For this, we brought several key icons for a variety of Japanese culture such as: Katana swordsmith, Japanese falconers, Yabusame master, Urasenke Japanese tea ceremony study group, etc…”.

He also mentioned some challenges that were faced in the exhibition; “The selection of the best activities for Japanese culture among many options has been a bit difficult. Thankfully, through receiving a lot of visitors and their positive feedbacks have made us feel that we made good choices”.

This year marks 50 years of diplomatic relations between Japan and the UAE as well as the company’s 50^th anniversary making JODCO’S participation in this edition of ADIHEX a remarkable one.

Promising feedback was given by both local and international visitors claiming that the Japanese presence was distinctive within the Arabic exhibition; however, matched smoothly with the surroundings. 

OKI Harue, Ikebana professor, mentioned that this was the first ADIHEX event after travel restrictions were eased allowing masters of Japan to attend the exhibition. She also said that more people attended the event this year compared to last year, which gave it a “lively atmosphere full of energy.”

Takahashi also added that they will take advantage of the positive encounters and discussions they received at ADIHEX 2022 to expand cultural interactions between the countries and take part in ADIPEC 2022 in December.