Hayy Matsuri Festival Celebrates 70 Years of Japanese-Saudi…

Art Jameel launches the second edition of Hayy Matsuri, celebrating Japanese-Saudi cultural fusion, marking 70 years of diplomatic relations. The festival features performances from Electronicos Fantasticos!, workshops, and cultural markets with significant public engagement, enhancing cultural exchange and creativity in line with Saudi Vision 2030.

Art Jameel, in partnership with the Consulate General of Japan in Jeddah and Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, has initiated the second edition of the Hayy Matsuri cultural festival, celebrating the coexistence of Japanese and Saudi cultural traditions. The festival, ongoing until January 11, commemorates the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. Key performances include the debut of the Japanese music group Electronicos Fantasticos! along with notable Saudi artists, creatively blending their artistic expressions through innovative audiovisual performances.

Antonia Carver, the director of Art Jameel, emphasized the festival’s role in promoting cultural dialogue: “We have a special cultural connection here to explore through Hayy Matsuri. The enthusiasm for Japanese culture in Saudi Arabia is immense, as demonstrated by the overwhelming response we received.” Daisuke Yamamoto, Japan’s consul general in Jeddah, also recognized the importance of the festival in strengthening the cultural ties shared between both countries, remarking, “Hayy Matsuri… strengthens the bonds of friendship and cultural exchange between Japan and Saudi Arabia.”

Visitors to the festival can experience a diverse array of workshops and activities showcasing Japanese and Saudi cultural practices, including traditional tea ceremonies, Ikebana flower arrangements, and interactive sessions like manga drawing and cosplay competitions. Additionally, a cultural market, supported by Monochrome Community, features over 30 vendors, offering a unique blend of local and Japanese creative products.

The festival also involves a collaboration with Alliance Française Saudi Arabia, which showcases French-Japanese cinematic connections. Larry Lamartiniere of Alliance Française remarked on the significance of highlighting the cultural ties between France and Japan through shared experiences in film and art education. Overall, Hayy Matsuri presents an enriching opportunity to foster understanding and appreciation of the diverse cultures that coexist within the global landscape.

The Hayy Matsuri cultural festival, which is taking place in Jeddah, serves as a celebration of the 70-year diplomatic relationship between Japan and Saudi Arabia. Launched by Art Jameel alongside the Japanese consulate and local partners, this festival aims to create a platform for cultural exchange, showcasing performances, workshops, and markets that reflect both Japanese and Saudi traditions. It signifies an era of cultural openness in Saudi Arabia in line with Vision 2030, allowing for greater international collaboration and artistic expressions.

In conclusion, the Hayy Matsuri festival not only celebrates the long-standing diplomatic ties between Japan and Saudi Arabia but also fosters cultural exchange through innovative artistic performances and workshops. With significant turnout and an emphasis on collaboration among diverse cultural entities, the event acts as a bridge connecting various global cultures, thereby enhancing the understanding and appreciation of both Japanese and Saudi creative heritage. This initiative proves crucial in aligning with Saudi Arabia’s broader goal of cultural openness and international engagement.

Original Source: www.arabnews.com