Hayy Matsuri Festival Celebrates 70 Years of Saudi-Japanese Relations

Art Jameel, alongside the Consulate General of Japan in Jeddah and Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, has launched the second annual Hayy Matsuri cultural festival, celebrating 70 years of diplomatic relations between Japan and Saudi Arabia. The festival showcases performances by Japanese artists and interactive workshops, attracting significant public interest and promoting cultural exchange between the two nations.

Art Jameel, in partnership with the Consulate General of Japan in Jeddah and Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, has inaugurated the second edition of the Hayy Matsuri cultural festival, which celebrates the intricate blend of Japanese and Saudi traditions, arts, and innovation. This year’s festival, which runs until January 11 at Hayy Jameel, commemorates the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Saudi Arabia and is drawing significant public interest, with over 3,000 attendees on its opening day.

The event features notable performances by Japanese music ensembles Electronicos Fantasticos! and sound artist Daisuke Tanabe, both of whom are making their Saudi debut. Their innovative work repurposes everyday objects into musical instruments, and they collaborate with Saudi artists such as DesertFish and Akram Ali to create immersive audiovisual experiences that reflect on shared cultural memories.

Antonia Carver, the Director of Art Jameel, emphasized the festival’s crucial role in promoting cultural exchange and highlighted the historical ties between the Jameel family and Japan through ALJ Motors and Toyota, particularly noting that this year marks both the 70th anniversary of Toyota’s operations in Saudi Arabia and the diplomatic relations with Japan. She stated the overwhelming enthusiasm for Japanese culture observed in Saudi Arabia showcases the significance of this initiative.

Daisuke Yamamoto, the Consul General of Japan in Jeddah, expressed enthusiasm for the event’s ability to strengthen Saudi-Japanese ties, stating that the festival enhances friendship and cultural exchanges. He remarked on the importance of such cultural events as Saudi Arabia embraces its Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to foster cultural openness and collaboration.

Visitors to the festival can participate in a variety of workshops and experiences, including traditional tea ceremonies, Ikebana flower arrangements, and origami. The festival’s open cultural market features over 30 vendors representing a fusion of Japanese and Saudi creativity, enhancing the cultural experience available to attendees. Emerging local brands, like Taiyo Matcha, aim to raise awareness and standards for authentic matcha in Saudi Arabia.

Workshops, such as ‘Manga Drawing: The Hero’s Story’ led by Mohamed Almadan, provide attendees with an engaging introduction to Japanese art techniques. The festival also includes contributions from the Alliance Française Saudi Arabia, collaborating with Hayy Cinema for the Hayy Matsuri 2025 festival, which highlights cultural ties between France and Japan through French-Japanese cinema and related workshops.

The Hayy Matsuri cultural festival serves as a platform for promoting cultural exchange between Japan and Saudi Arabia, celebrating their 70-year-long diplomatic relationship. As part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative, which seeks to enhance cultural openness, the festival encompasses a variety of artistic endeavors and workshops that reflect both Japanese and Saudi traditions. This year features unique performances and workshops aimed at engaging the community and fostering international relationships through art and cultural dialogue.

In summary, the Hayy Matsuri cultural festival, organized by Art Jameel in collaboration with Japanese and Saudi partners, serves as a significant initiative to promote cultural exchange while celebrating 70 years of diplomatic relations. With engaging performances, workshops, and an open market featuring local and Japanese artisans, the festival draws significant public interest and highlights the deep-rooted connections between the two nations.

Original Source: www.arabnews.com