Amin Abbas
DUBAI: A Japanese cultural brunch was held recently at the Mrs Mika Japanese restaurant in Dubai. Organized by ‘Japan in Arabia’, the event features various Japanese activities such as: calligraphy, origami, wearing Kimonos and more.
Jason Ishida, founder of ‘Japan in Arabia,’ told Arab News Japan: “The original reason Japan in Arabia was founded was to spread awareness and understanding of Japanese culture. Being a schoolteacher myself, I am a passionate lifelong learner and want to share authentic experiences to educate and inspire others to have a deeper understanding and appreciation for Japanese culture. The idea stemmed from my own experiences living in Japan and being fascinated by its rich traditions, arts, and customs. I realized that many people might not have the opportunity to experience these cultural aspects firsthand, so we decided to bring Japan to them. By organizing events like these, we aim to bridge cultural gaps and help build a sense of global community, where people can celebrate diversity and learn from each other. And so far, our audiences have been extremely diverse ranging from people who have lived in Japan and speak fluent Japanese to others who are just beginning their cultural journey to dive deeper into discovering what Japan has to offer.”
“The Japanese Culture Brunch was filled with various authentic activities that captivated our guests. One of the main highlights was the origami station, where participants learned the intricate art of paper folding. It was heartwarming to see people work so passionately in creating delicate paper cranes and more. Another highlight was the Japanese calligraphy, or shodō, where guests could write their names and words of personal significance in beautiful Japanese characters. This activity not only taught them about the art form but also allowed them to connect personally with the language.”
“The Tanabata wish-writing tradition on July 7 was another significant moment. Guests wrote their wishes on colorful strips of paper and hung them on branches, embracing a centuries-old Japanese custom. Our Kimono photo booth was also incredibly popular! Guests loved dressing up in traditional kimonos and capturing memorable photos amidst the elegant setting. The food, prepared by Mrs. Mika, offered a delicious taste of Japan, with dishes that delighted everyone’s taste buds. The venue itself, decorated with gorgeous art, kimonos, and lit-up shoji panels, provided a perfect ambiance that transported everyone to Japan for an afternoon,” he added.
Ishida said the response from the participants was “overwhelmingly positive.”
One guest shared: “It was lovely to see you all. Thank you for showing us your yukata, origami, and calligraphy skills. Looking forward to the next one.”
Another attendee, Carlos, expressed: “It was nice meeting everyone. Thanks so much for letting me be part of this amazing event. I had a blast and am looking forward to the next one.”
“Overall, the feedback highlighted the guests’ enjoyment and the immersive experience they had. Many appreciated the authenticity of the activities and the opportunity to learn about Japanese culture in such an engaging way. The sense of community and shared learning was undeniable, and it was clear that the event had made a significant positive impact,” he added.
Regarding ‘Japan in Arabia’ upcoming event, Ishida said: “Following the success of this event, we have several exciting projects coming up. One of the major upcoming activities is a collaboration with the Theater of Digital Art (TODA). We are thrilled to be part of ‘The Dreams of Miyazaki’ piano concert, where we will offer guests the opportunity to try Japanese calligraphy. This collaboration aims to blend the enchanting world of Miyazaki’s animation with the traditional art of calligraphy, creating a unique cultural experience for attendees.”
Japan in Arabia is a UAE-based community that helps locals and residents explore Japanese culture in the Middle East.
The association regularly hosts events and workshops as well as free weekly Japanese language exchange meetups. Their upcoming events can be found on their Instagram.