Art Jameel has launched the second edition of Hayy Matsuri, a festival celebrating Japanese and Saudi cultures, running until January 11 at Hayy Jameel. The event features performances, workshops, and a cultural market, attracting significant public interest as it marks 70 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Highlights include innovative musical collaborations and various interactive cultural activities.
Art Jameel, in collaboration with the Consulate General of Japan in Jeddah and Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, has inaugurated the second edition of Hayy Matsuri. This cultural festival celebrates the intersection of Japanese and Saudi traditions, arts, and innovation, extending until January 11 at Hayy Jameel, commemorating 70 years of diplomatic relations between both nations.
This year’s festival features exceptional performances by Electronicos Fantasticos! and sound artist Daisuke Tanabe, who are making their Saudi debuts. Their innovative music transforms everyday objects and repurposed electronics into instruments, collaborating with Saudi artists such as DesertFish and Akram Ali to create immersive audiovisual performances that reflect on memories across time.
The festival has already attracted significant public attention, with over 3,000 visitors on the opening day alone. Antonia Carver, director of Art Jameel, emphasized the festival’s role in promoting cultural exchange. She stated that their long-standing connection with Japan through ALJ Motors creates a unique platform to explore cultural themes.
“This year marks 70 years of Toyota in Saudi Arabia and 70 years of diplomatic relations between Japan and Saudi Arabia, making it a particularly significant year for us,” Carver remarked. Furthermore, Daisuke Yamamoto, the consul general of Japan in Jeddah, expressed his enthusiasm for the festival’s ability to strengthen ties between the two countries.
The event features a variety of workshops and performances highlighting both cultures, including a traditional tea ceremony, Ikebana flower arranging, and Japanese calligraphy. It also offers engaging sessions such as manga drawing, printmaking, and cosplay competitions for attendees of all ages.
An open cultural market, supported by Monochrome Community, showcases over 30 vendors that fuse local and Japanese creativity, aiming to provide authentic cultural experiences. Founders of Taiyo Matcha introduced their premium products at the festival to elevate the standard of matcha in Saudi Arabia.
Workshops like “Manga Drawing: The Hero’s Story” led by Mohamed Almadan encourage participants to explore Japanese art techniques through storytelling. Additionally, Alliance Française Saudi Arabia will present a partnership with Hayy Matsuri 2025, highlighting the connections between French and Japanese cinema and culture.
Overall, the Hayy Matsuri festival serves as an exemplary initiative reflecting the commitment to cultural collaboration and understanding between Japan and Saudi Arabia, fostering a welcoming environment for cultural exploration and engagement within both societies.
The Hayy Matsuri festival symbolizes the cultural exchange and alliance between Japan and Saudi Arabia, marking a significant milestone with the 70th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. This event showcases a variety of cultural expressions through performances, workshops, and interactive activities designed to enhance mutual appreciation for each culture. The involvement of both local and Japanese artists emphasizes the festival’s focus on collaboration and innovation in the arts, promoting a deeper understanding of cultural practices.
In conclusion, the Hayy Matsuri festival, running until January 11, serves as a vibrant celebration of Japanese and Saudi cultures, marked by a series of innovative performances and workshops that promote artistic collaboration. The strong attendance reflects the growing enthusiasm for cultural initiatives in Saudi Arabia, aligning with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. This event not only fosters ties between Japan and Saudi Arabia but also allows for enriching cultural exchanges that benefit both communities.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
