Celebrating Cultural Connections: Hayy Matsuri Festival Unites…

The second edition of Hayy Matsuri, launched by Art Jameel, celebrates 70 years of diplomatic relations between Japan and Saudi Arabia. The festival features performances by Electronicos Fantasticos! and Daisuke Tanabe, alongside a variety of workshops, traditional activities, and an open cultural market. With significant public interest, the festival underscores the importance of cultural exchange and creativity between the two nations.

JEDDAH: Art Jameel, in collaboration with the Consulate General of Japan in Jeddah and Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, is proud to announce the launch of the second edition of Hayy Matsuri, a cultural festival celebrating the integration of Japanese and Saudi traditions, arts, and innovation. Running until January 11, the festival commemorates the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Saudi Arabia. This year’s event features remarkable performances from Japanese music project Electronicos Fantasticos! and sound artist Daisuke Tanabe, making their debut in Saudi Arabia.

In partnership with renowned Saudi artists such as DesertFish, Akram Ali, and Abstract Crew, these innovators will present a captivating exploration of memories through immersive audiovisual performances. With over 3,000 visitors attending on the opening day alone, the festival has sparked considerable public interest.

Antonia Carver, Director of Art Jameel, emphasized the significance of Hayy Matsuri in promoting cultural exchange: “Through the Jameel family’s great history of philanthropy and long-standing relationship with Japan through ALJ Motors and Toyota, we have a special cultural connection here to explore through Hayy Matsuri.”

This year notably celebrates 70 years of Toyota’s presence in Saudi Arabia, underscoring the cultural synergy between the two nations. Furthermore, Carver highlighted the enthusiastic response to Japanese culture in Saudi Arabia, evidenced by the remarkable turnout at the event.

Daisuke Yamamoto, Consul General of Japan in Jeddah, expressed his delight, stating, “Hayy Matsuri, held in wonderful cooperation with Hayy Jameel for the second consecutive year, strengthens the bonds of friendship and cultural exchange between Japan and Saudi Arabia.” He noted the importance of the festival in introducing various aspects of Japanese culture to the Saudi public as the Kingdom embraces cultural openness aligned with its Vision 2030 goals.

The festival features a variety of workshops and activities, including traditional practices such as tea ceremonies, Ikebana flower arrangements, and calligraphy, alongside interactive sessions like manga drawing and cosplay competitions. An open cultural market supports over 30 vendors, showcasing both local and Japanese creativity.

Taiyo Matcha founders Anas Jeelani and Ai Nakamura shared their mission to elevate matcha standards in Saudi Arabia by providing authentic products. Almadan’s manga workshop encourages participants to create compelling narratives, highlighting the importance of storytelling in Japanese culture.

In collaboration with Hayy Cinema, Alliance Française Saudi Arabia introduces “Rendez-vous with French Cinema” during Hayy Matsuri 2025, promoting cultural ties between France and Japan. This includes the screening of a French-Japanese film and a workshop exploring Japanese influences on French traditions, expanding the festival’s cultural offerings.

The rich blend of activities and performances at Hayy Matsuri further establishes it as a critical platform for cultural dialogue between Saudi Arabia and Japan, contributing to a vibrant exchange of traditions and artistic expressions.

The Hayy Matsuri festival serves as a platform to enrich the cultural relationship between Japan and Saudi Arabia, commemorating a significant milestone: 70 years of diplomatic relations. This festival highlights the fusion of artistic traditions and contemporary creativity through performances, workshops, and traditional activities that celebrate both cultures. As Saudi Arabia continues to embrace a vision of cultural openness under Vision 2030, such initiatives align with efforts to promote cultural exchange and understanding.

In summary, the second edition of Hayy Matsuri epitomizes the deep-rooted cultural ties between Japan and Saudi Arabia, marked by a series of innovative performances and traditional activities. The festival not only highlights the artistic capabilities of both nations but also emphasizes the importance of cultural exchange. Through workshops, markets, and collaborative efforts, the festival stands as a testament to the ongoing efforts in fostering international relationships and celebrating diverse heritages.

Original Source: www.arabnews.com