TOKYO:A Syrian cultural festivalis being heldat Fuchu University of Foreign Studies under the patronage of the Syrian Embassy.

OnFriday,the first day of the event, works of Syrian painters were exhibited.One of them,Hiyam Salam from Latakia,used a special collage technique to assemble the different elements of her work,creating apiecethat evokes landscapes with expressionist colors. Alltheartists in the exhibitionwerepromoting peace and culture through art.

Also on Friday, a screening of the Syrian film“Jasmine Blood” took place.

Other cultural and musical events willtake placethroughout the duration of the festival, which runs for a week.

The SyrianAmbassador to Japanwas to inaugurate the event, but following the bombingsin Homs, Syriathe day before,the ambassador canceled hisplanned attendance.