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Kuwait Times
5 days ago
- General
- Kuwait Times
Japan and Kuwait strengthen cultural, technological ties
KUWAIT: A rich dialogue unfolded on Sunday at the closing ceremony of the Second Hiroshima-Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Poster Exhibition at the Contemporary Art Platform, as Kuwaiti and Japanese experts exchanged reflections on peace, memory, and the potential for deeper cultural and technological collaboration. 'Hiroshima's vibrant culture, refined traditions, and innovative spirit remind us of the enduring value of peace,' said Japanese Ambassador to Kuwait Mukai Kenichiro, highlighting how the city, globally known as a symbol of peace, is also a thriving center of craftsmanship and creativity. 'From cutting-edge industries to traditional arts and cuisine, Hiroshima continues to preserve its past while driving future innovation. We see strong potential for partnerships with Kuwait in business, technology, tourism, and the creative industries.' Dr Hasan Ashkanani, Professor of Anthropological Archaeology at Kuwait University and Consultant for Archaeology and Museum Affairs at the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL), shared insights from his recent training in Hiroshima and Tokyo on advanced 3D documentation techniques for preserving archaeological heritage. He announced that Kuwait will host its first Japanese expert from June 20 to 25, who will lead training sessions for students, NCCAL staff, and IT professionals on applying these techniques to sites such as Failaka. 'We have over 1,000 archaeological sites, and we want to introduce them to our people and the world in advanced, virtual formats,' he said. Dr. Hamed Al-Ajlan Dr Hasan Ashkanani Shotaro Kobayashi Photos are displayed at the Second Hiroshima-Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Poster Exhibition. - Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat He recalled standing in Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, pausing at a preserved piece of fish skin, and being struck by a powerful memory. 'It reminded me of 1990. I was eight years old. We share the same feeling of injustice. August 1945 and August 1990 are tied by pain — 250,000 lives lost in Japan, over 700 in Kuwait during the invasion.' Ashkanani's visit also revealed how Hiroshima now uses virtual reality to recreate the bombing experience. 'That was one of the main reasons I went. I wanted to bring this to Kuwait — to tell our stories and preserve our memory in interactive, immersive ways.' Dr Hamed Al-Ajlan, former Director of Scientific Culture at KFAS, also reflected on his visit to Hiroshima. 'I expected a very sad city,' he said, 'but I found it beautiful and full of flowers.' At the Peace Museum, one moment stayed with him: a watch belonging to a soldier, its hands frozen at 8:15 — the moment the atomic bomb fell. 'By the time I left the museum, I cried,' he recalled. 'But Hiroshima is much more than tragedy. There's industry, culture and resilience behind it.' Adding a business perspective, Shotaro Kobayashi, President of BIZRES Co. Ltd. and board member of the Hiroshima Entertainment Association, highlighted that while Hiroshima is often viewed through the lens of its past, it is also home to thriving industries — including automobiles, furniture, and food. 'Connections with the Middle East, especially Kuwait, remain limited,' he said, 'but the potential is there.'
Arab Times
10-05-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Visa exemption for holders of diplomatic, official passports
Starting May 12, 2025, Japan and Kuwait will officially implement a mutual visa exemption for holders of diplomatic, official and special passports. Under this new agreement, Kuwaiti nationals holding valid diplomatic, or special passports issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kuwait will be allowed to enter Japan without a visa for a period not exceeding 90 consecutive days. Similarly, Japanese holders of valid diplomatic and official passports will be able to enter Kuwait without a visa. This historic step reflects the deep mutual trust and longstanding friendship between our two nations, and lays a solid foundation for further political, economic, and cultural cooperation. Japan and Kuwait have enjoyed a long-standing and mutually beneficial relationship, dating back to 1958 when a Japanese oil company got oil drilling rights in Kuwait. This visa exemption scheme will make it easier for government officials, international conference participants, and special passports holders to travel between our two countries, thus encouraging more dynamic exchanges and high-level dialogue. This is more than a procedural change – it is a symbol of our shared commitment to building a forwardlooking, trust-based partnership. Experience the Future at Expo 2025 Japan is currently hosting the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, from April 13 to October 13, 2025. It is more than an exhibition; it is a platform for co-creating the future. And Visitors can encounter a wide array of transformative ideas and cutting-edge solutions addressing challenges in sustainability, technology, healthcare, and mobility. In EXPO, Japan is presenting technical proposals as investment opportunities, such as Room Temperature Hydrogen Production Device, CO2 Adsorption and Desorption Device, Room Temperature Synthetic Fuel Production Device. These technologies are already at commercially practical level, and I believe that investing in these technologies will be able to assist Kuwait oil sector to achieve net-zero by 2060 as envisioned in the national plan. The visa fee will be exempted for those who visit the EXPO . We sincerely invite Kuwaiti people, to visit Japan during this momentous event. Sharing a Message of Peace 10 012 As we look to the future, we must also learn from the past. The second Hiroshima and Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Poster Exhibition is now open at the Contemporary Art Platform (CAP Kuwait) from April 29 to May 25, 2025. The opening ceremony which was held on April 29 was a big success, especially with the attendance of Ms. HIRAOKA Sachiko, an Atomic Bomb survivor's family who visited Kuwait all the way from Hiroshima to deliver the testimony of her family. It was joined by many people in Kuwait, including Ambassadors, artists, students and so on. This exhibition showcases impactful posters that convey the devastating reality of the atomic bombings, reminding us of the importance of peace and the inhumanity of nuclear weapons. We encourage more people in Kuwait to visit the exhibition and reflect on Japan's history and its deep commitment to peace. The exhibition welcomes everyone with free admission. Building the future through education, culture Education and Culture are essential elements to build the brilliant future between Kuwait and Japan. The MEXT (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) Scholarship Program for 2026 is currently open for applications until June 12, 2025. Kuwaiti students wishing to pursue bachelor's degree, master's degree, or PhD in Japan are warmly encouraged to apply. This is a chance to receive a worldclass education while building bridges between the two countries. In the field of cultural exchange, submissions are also open for the 18th Japan International MANGA Award, with a deadline of June 20, 2025. This globally recognized award welcomes artists from around the world. We hope to see many talented Kuwaiti creators participate and share their stories through the powerful medium of manga. The introduction of mutual visa exemption for diplomatic and official passport holders marks a new chapter in Japan–Kuwait relations. It opens doors – not only for official visits – but also for people-to-people connections, cultural exchange, and shared discovery.
Kuwait Times
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Kuwait Times
Painting Kuwait's soul
Through vibrant canvases and cultural symbolism, artist Khalid Alshatti captures the dualities of Gulf life Khalid Alshatti's paintings are rich in visual metaphors, expressing both the struggles and resilience embedded in daily life. The interplay of bold hues and complex forms reveals a deep engagement with emotional and cultural landscapes. Kuwaiti contemporary visual artist Khalid Alshatti is known for his vibrant use of color and intricate patterns that bring his canvases to life. Through his art, he explores dualities — light and darkness, tradition and modernity — offering a profound commentary on the human condition. His paintings are rich in visual metaphors, expressing both the struggles and resilience embedded in daily life. The interplay of bold hues and complex forms reveals a deep engagement with emotional and cultural landscapes. 'My style of drawing largely depends on the environment I live in — the land and sea around me, their vibrant colors, the terrain, and even the animals,' Alshatti shared in an interview with Kuwait Times. His artistic journey has significantly shaped Kuwait's contemporary art scene. Alshatti's work not only reflects personal expression but also sparks broader dialogue about cultural identity and social transformation in the Gulf region. 'Although the desert environment may appear monotonous in terms of color, there is a soft beauty to the terrain,' he elaborated. 'This has been a primary focus of my art. Animals and rustic buildings set against the desert backdrop add depth to my work.' Alshatti's recent exhibition at the Contemporary Art Platform (CAP) Gallery in Shuwaikh, which ran until April 29, 2025, showcased some of his most compelling works. These pieces invited viewers into a cultural dialogue, prompting reflection on existential themes such as identity, society and family. He is recognized for his expressive, symbol-laden compositions that tackle the complexities of modern life. His dense color palettes and layered designs often merge introspective thought with collective social narratives. 'I discovered my passion for art early in school and committed myself to learning and refining my craft,' Alshatti recalled. His first exhibition was held in 1986 at the age of 18, under the patronage of Professor Mohammad Al-Sanousi. Remarkably, Alshatti is a self-taught artist. 'I had no mentor. I relied entirely on research and experimentation to master different techniques,' he said. Over the years, he developed a unique style shaped by continuous exploration of color, space and form. 'My style blends elements from different schools of art, making it difficult to categorize. Sometimes, the sheer scale of my work draws viewers in and makes them feel part of the painting,' he explained. Alshatti works with a variety of materials, including oil, acrylic, watercolor, paper, plastic and even synthetic substances. 'This mix of media enhances the effect of the painting and serves the overall vision,' he noted. Beyond his solo efforts, Alshatti has actively contributed to the wider art community in Kuwait and beyond. He exhibited alongside fellow Kuwaiti artists Abdulrasoul Salman and May Al-Saad at the Orient Gallery in Amman, Jordan, in a show that highlighted the richness of Kuwaiti art within a regional context. He also represented Kuwait at the 10th Culture & Art International Cairo Biennale for Formative Arts in 2006 and was featured among 29 artists at the Kuwait Contemporary Art Festival organized by the Kuwait Art Association. These events celebrated the evolving landscape of Kuwaiti visual arts, with a particular emphasis on large-scale contemporary painting. Currently, Alshatti serves as international art coordinator at the Al-Riwaq Foundation for Arts in Balqa, Jordan, where he also organizes and participates in exhibitions. 'Kuwait has a rich cultural heritage,' he reflected. 'The authenticity of our culture and institutions has profoundly influenced my perception of art. As Kuwaiti artists, it's our responsibility to pass on this cultural legacy to future generations.'
