Consulate-General of Japan in Jeddah and Art Jameel co-organize Hayy Matsuri: A Japanese Cultural Festival
2023/3/8
Opening remark by Consul-General Shimmura
Japanese Tea Ceremony Demonstration
Japanese Drum performance
Jointly organized by the Consulate-General of Japan in Jeddah and Art Jameel, an independent organization that supports artists and creative communities, “Hayy Matsuri: A Japanese Cultural Festival” launched on March 1. The event, first of its kind in Jeddah, was a large, four-day cultural and educational community festival and market that celebrates and showcases Japanese tradition, language and art in all forms. Part of a joint contribution to promoting cultural exchange between Japan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Hayy Matsuri propels achievements within “Saudi-Japan Vision 2030,” the bilateral cooperation framework.
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From a tea ceremony demonstration to origami making, Japanese calligraphy and the art of flower arrangement, the programme also included musical performances, film screenings, authentic cuisine, arts and craft workshops, anime and so much more. A community-led market complemented activities and was runs every day, offering the public a taste of Japan through the eyes of local and regional talent whose work, practice and/or brand are inspired by traditions from the country.
During the opening remark delivered by H.E. Mr. Izuru Shimmura, Consul-General of Japan in Jeddah, on March 1, he expressed his thanks and appreciation to Hayy Jameel as well as his sincere wishes for the continuation of such cooperation between the Consulate-General and Art Jameel for more joint events in the future.
Mr. Shimmura added: “the Kingdom has been experiencing a lot of changes across a variety of fields in its society including cultural activities, and I am really pleased with the wide acceptance and appreciation of Japanese culture by so many Saudi friends, and especially the zeal shown by so many Saudi youth learning the Japanese language in Jeddah.”
During the opening remark delivered by H.E. Mr. Izuru Shimmura, Consul-General of Japan in Jeddah, on March 1, he expressed his thanks and appreciation to Hayy Jameel as well as his sincere wishes for the continuation of such cooperation between the Consulate-General and Art Jameel for more joint events in the future.
Mr. Shimmura added: “the Kingdom has been experiencing a lot of changes across a variety of fields in its society including cultural activities, and I am really pleased with the wide acceptance and appreciation of Japanese culture by so many Saudi friends, and especially the zeal shown by so many Saudi youth learning the Japanese language in Jeddah.”
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It is worth noting that the event included the participation of a variety of artists in many fields of Japanese culture, including “Urasenke Chado Study Group in Abu Dhabi” who delivered Chado demonstration on the evenings of 2 and 3 March, as well as Japanese musicians and many others.
“I hope this event will contribute to strengthening the bonds among people and countries across religions and cultures, and to be a key for further strengthening the trust and friendship among nations”, added Mr. Shimmura.
“I hope this event will contribute to strengthening the bonds among people and countries across religions and cultures, and to be a key for further strengthening the trust and friendship among nations”, added Mr. Shimmura.
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