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Arab News
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Riyadh welcomes Japanese cultural flair at Esports World Cup
RIYADH: Amid the fast-paced tournaments and flashing screens at the Esports World Cup in Boulevard Riyadh City, a quieter kind of immersion — one rooted in culture, not gameplay — is drawing crowds. At Japan Park, visitors are stepping into 'yukatas,' the traditional Japanese summer garment that merges Japanese heritage with the modern world of esports. The garment, which is worn during festivals and public celebrations in Japan, was redesigned with a contemporary twist inspired by popular characters and iconic elements of Japanese visual culture. • At Japan Park entrance, visitors can register via QR code and receive a yukata to wear for free. • In the calligraphy corner, visitors learn to write their names in kanji under the guidance of Japanese artists. The experience offers Saudis and tourists alike the chance to explore Japanese heritage in the heart of Riyadh. At the park entrance, visitors can register via QR code and receive a yukata to wear for free. Staff help guests to suit up correctly, maintaining respect for the garment's cultural roots. The streets of Japan Park have been transformed into an interactive world of Tokyo-inspired streets and manga-themed photo zones. The decor draws from vibrant districts such as Shibuya and other landmarks from Japanese pop culture. The yukata experience is part of the broader cultural showcase that includes workshops on origami and uchiwa conducted by Japanese professionals. In the calligraphy corner, visitors learn to write their names in kanji under the guidance of Japanese artists. It is slow, meticulous work in contrast to the speed of the esports tournaments happening just steps away. The food stalls serve ramen, sushi and traditional desserts such as mochi, adding another sensory layer to the cultural experience. While much of the Esports World Cup is about international gaming and competition, Japan Park offers a more reflective counterpoint. It is a reminder that global pop culture — from anime to fashion and food — is inseparable from the traditions that shape it.
Arab News
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Japan Park showcases art, culture at Riyadh's Esports World Cup
RIYADH: Japan Park has become a major attraction at the Esports World Cup in Riyadh with its displays of anime, manga and video games. Being held at Riyadh's Boulevard City, visitors can wear traditional Japanese kimonos on entry and engage with actors wearing costumes of popular characters, including Gundam and Vegapunk. The park also has traditional Japanese games, including Kendama and Go, dances, and stage shows inspired by well-known anime series. Additionally, experts have been holding daily workshops on Japanese calligraphy, allowing visitors to learn more about traditional techniques, and how to write their names in kanji. The park also features workshops on origami and uchiwa conducted by Japanese professionals. The area has various restaurants, serving dishes including ramen, sushi, and mochi. The Esports World Cup is an annual tournament that takes place from July to August. • This article also appears on Arab News Japan
