Latest news with #MorinoYasunari
Leaders
09-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Leaders
Japan Cultural Days Attracts Over 200k Visitors at Ithra
After 17 days of fun and cultural events, the Japan Cultural Days at Ithra has attracted more than 200,000 visitors, Arab News reported. The cultural performances offered visitors a unique opportunity to explore and delve into the Japanese arts, traditions as well as contemporary culture. On the sidelines of the event, Japanese Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Morino Yasunari visited the exhibitions, engaged with artists and cultural representatives, and underscored the significance of boosting cultural ties between the Kingdom and Japan. Activities for all Ages To amuse all ages with interactive experiences, the program boasted a vast array of activities for both children and adults. For families, the event provided several experiences such as hands-on craft workshops, traditional calligraphy, origami and manga drawing sessions. As for younger visitors, they participated in storytelling sessions featuring Japanese folktales and legends. Japanese Drumming Performances The long-awaited performances were Drum Tao, the globally renowned Japanese drumming ensemble famous for its captivating stage presence and theatrical performances. Through an extraordinary blend between traditional taiko drumming and modern choreography and lighting effects, the performances captured audiences with a stunning spectacle. Apart from this, the program featured a metaverse experience in Ithra's plaza allowing visitors to delve into virtual Japanese markets and cultural celebrations. Literature & Anime Sessions The festival also amused literature and anime enthusiasts with engaging sessions on Japanese literature with references to notable authors like Haruki Murakami. Musical Performances In addition, the program involved several musical performances ranging from the meditative tones of the shakuhachi flute to high-energy drum ensembles. Culinary Experiences To provide comprehensive experiences and an integrated image of the Japanese culture, visitors enjoyed Japanese dishes, exploring their culinary traditions. The program also highlighted other activities to fully immerse visitors into Japan's culture and traditions through other unique experiences. Related Topics: Japanese Vintage Car Exhibition Draws Visitors at Ithra Ithra Hosts Screening of Japanese Film 'One Cut of the Dead' Japanese Event Amuses Saudis with Tourism Offerings, Attractions Short link :
Arab News
08-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Ithra's Japan Cultural Days draws more than 200k visitors to Dhahran
DHAHRAN: Ithra's Japan Cultural Days concluded on Saturday after a dynamic 17-day run, offering visitors a deep and immersive experience into Japanese arts, traditions and contemporary culture. The event, which began on Jan. 23, attracted more than 200,000 visitors in its first 10 days. Japanese Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Morino Yasunari toured the exhibitions, engaged with artists and cultural representatives, and highlighted the importance of strengthening cultural ties between the two countries. His visit underscored the significance of the festival in fostering dialogue and mutual appreciation. The program featured a wide range of activities for both children and adults, ensuring an engaging experience for all ages. Families took part in hands-on craft workshops, traditional calligraphy, origami and manga drawing sessions, while younger visitors enjoyed storytelling sessions featuring Japanese folktales and legends. One of the most anticipated performances came from Drum Tao, the globally renowned Japanese drumming ensemble known for its powerful stage presence and theatrical performances. The group combined traditional taiko drumming with modern choreography and lighting effects, delivering a high-energy spectacle that captivated audiences. A metaverse experience in Ithra's plaza allowed visitors to explore virtual Japanese markets and cultural celebrations. The festival also explored Japanese storytelling through literature and anime. Several sessions on Japanese literature highlighted its unique introspective nature, referencing authors like Haruki Murakami. Music played a central role in the festival, with performances ranging from the meditative tones of the shakuhachi flute to high-energy drum ensembles. Visitors also explored Japanese culinary traditions, gaining insights into the precision and artistry behind dishes such as sushi and wagashi. One of the most celebrated workshops covered kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold. Attendees were invited to transform shattered ceramics into decorative pieces, embracing the philosophy of finding beauty in imperfection. Ithra's Japan Cultural Days featured many other activities, ensuring that visitors could engage with Japan's cultural heritage through a variety of creative, educational and interactive experiences.
Arab News
29-01-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Saudi Shoura Council speaker receives Japan's newly appointed envoy
Saudi Shoura Council Speaker Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al-Asheikh received Japan's newly appointed Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Morino Yasunari in Riyadh on Wednesday. The Japanese ambassador praised the strong ties between Saudi Arabia and Japan, affirming his country's commitment to enhancing cooperation across various sectors, Saudi Press Agency reported. During the meeting, the two sides also discussed ways to bolster parliamentary collaboration between the Shoura Council and the Japanese Parliament, and other topics of mutual interest.
Arab News
28-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Japanese ambassador visits Japan Cultural Days at Ithra
DHAHRAN: Japan's ambassador to Saudi Arabia attended a cultural event in Dhahran on Monday as the two countries celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations this year. Ambassador Morino Yasunari toured various Japan Cultural Days exhibits at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra), where events run until Feb. 8. The envoy even dropped in on a sushi-making workshop where Arab News was in attendance. Communal tables were set up and a professional sushi chef instructed the 20 participants on how to prepare three kinds of sushi, using select ingredients. The ticketed class allowed sushi-lovers to roll out their own sushi and then eat it. Those at the table joked that perhaps the ambassador popped in to see their work because he could not resist the delicious aromas coming out of the space. One of those participants at the class was Danah Al-Harbi. The ambassador happened to visit her session, and she told Arab News that his visit showed his commitment to understanding the similarities between the two countries. 'It was honestly a completely new experience for us in the Eastern Province. It is the first time that Japanese culture is truly immersed at Ithra, and one of the most notable highlights of this event for me was the sushi-making experience. Saudis that maybe did not go to Japan have a chance to taste the flavor of Japan. I hope to see you next time in Japan but today, you can come to Ithra. Rieko Ono, Workshop facilitator 'I had to try it and it was truly exceptional. I love eating sushi, but I didn't know how to make it until today,' Al-Harbi told Arab News. 'Now, I can eat it after making it.' Yasunari also visited the Japanese House experience where visitors took part in a traditional tea ceremony, serving and drinking matcha while making wagashi, the delicate, plant-based traditional Japanese confectionary crafted by hand to complement the unsweetened tea. 'The most interesting part is that I find something similar and also something in common between the two countries, Japan and Saudi, I found that the Arabic coffee and tea culture is something very close to each other, and we use this too for friendship and harmony,' Rieko Ono, who flew over from Tokyo to lead some of the workshops, told Arab News. 'I came to Saudi Arabia a few years ago, that was also fun, so it's my second time and I love this. I'm very happy that Saudi Arabia is open now and so welcoming — I admire this. 'Saudi people love Japanese culture and anime helped us a lot,' she said. 'Saudi people that maybe did not go to Japan have a chance to taste the flavor of Japan. I hope to see you next time in Japan but today, you can come to Ithra.'
