Amin Abbas

ABU DHABI: The Embassy of Japan in the UAE on Dec. 18 organized the “Japan Festival” as the cultural finale to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and the UAE, at Abu Dhabi’s Manarat Al Saadiyat.

UAE State Minister Dr. Maitha Bint Salem Al Shamsi graced the official ceremony, which attracted about 2500 visitors.

Guests enjoyed various Japanese cultural activities and experiences such as traditional Japanese Dance by Wakayagi Kichimitsumasa, a traditional Japanese dance master, Japanese sweets and tea tasting, ikebana flower display by the Ohara School of Ikebana, Yo-Yo water balloon fishing, origami and Japanese fan making workshops along with chopsticks making workshop with Tokyo Metropolitan High School Students.

Alia Al Rasheed from the Ohara School of Ikebana – UAE Class said about their participation at Japan Festival in Abu Dhabi: “I have participated as an organizer with my Ikebana (Japanese flower arrangement) colleagues. This event has allowed me to enjoy the wonderful experience of Japanese culture within UAE. Also being part of the Ikebana school has allowed me to understand the culture a bit more.”

“Experiencing Japanese culture within the UAE was the first time for some visitors. As some have never been to Japan, this event has allowed them to sense the Japanese form of culture from the taste of food and tea ceremony. Playing cultured games and seeing live performance, art, music and traditional attire. Also, with the Ikebana arrangement (Japanese flower arrangement) combining traditional Japanese Pine tree (Matsu) and UAE Ghaf tree illustrating two countries’ ties and relationship for 50 years being embedded with Ikebana style. The visitors were astonished to learn about the Ikebana and used materials of culture distinct trees of each country. This lead some of visitor curiosity to know more of Ikebana and Japanese culture,” she added.

A representative from Urasenke Abu Dhabi Study Group for ‘Japanese Tea Ceremony’ said about their participation at Japan Festival in Abu Dhabi: “We definitely did not expect such a big number of visitors to the event. On the other hand, I am absolutely glad a lot of people had the chance to know about Chado and Urasenke, and actually get informed about having it here in Abu Dhabi, UAE”.

“As a general feeling, everyone from youngsters to elders seemed happy and immersed in every bit of the festival. This event was for sure a good introduction to Chado and Urasenke Abu Dhabi, since not many knew about it. Almost everyone asked about the flow of making Japanese tea and why it is done in such a way. It was impressive how everyone who attended, while we made tea, was focusing on each detail and then having varied inquiries about the steps, way, utensils, and even the movement of our bodies and hands. One Nigerian lady even said, it feels like I am traveling in time! The atmosphere and the respect you group is implementing in every step you take is absolutely magnificent,” she added.

The event featured film screenings for Poupelle of Chimney Town and Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Mugen Trai.

Also featured was a Japanese dubbed episode of Freej, which is an Emirati animation created by Mohammed Saeed Harib and the first Emirati animation dubbed in Japanese, and broadcasted on MX TV Japan in 2019. 

One of the highlights of the event was the Japanese drum concert by Japanese drumming group ‘Sai’ and the UAE drumming group ‘Kharsha.’

‘Sai’ is a young professional Japanese group that has performed in Japan and 25 other countries. One of the members of the group spent his childhood in the UAE and graduated from the Japanese School in Abu Dhabi.

Later, he returned to his second hometown, Abu Dhabi to study at Zayed University. While studying, he and his Emirati friends formed the local Japanese drumming group ‘Kharsha,’ which has been actively performing at various events, including Dubai Expo.

‘Sai’ and ‘Kharsha’ performed together on the same stage, symbolizing the cultural friendship between the two nations.

Another performance at the stage was done by 21 Japanese and Emirati students from Japanese School in Abu Dhabi who performed the recitation and sang the national anthem of the UAE.

A special demonstration of Japanese calligraphy on big papers was done by Juichi Yoshikawa, a renowned Japanese calligrapher where his calligraphy works were featured at the event. The event also showcased artworks themed on both Japanese and Emirati life and culture done by Abdulla Lutfi, a well-known Emirati artist who was inspired by Japanese manga. His works were exhibited at Dubai Airport and Dubai Expo, etc.