Saudi Cultural Week at Gallery EAST of the Osaka Expo 2025 drew to a successful conclusion on Tuesday, 15th July.
The event celebrated Saudi culture and the cultural intersections between Saudi Arabia and Japan through collaborative activities and hands-on experiences.
Saudi Cultural Week was commemorated to honour the Kingdom’s designation of 2025 as the Year of Handicrafts and highlighted artistic exchange between the two countries.
At the same time, it regaled visitors with a diverse programme of exhibitions, performances, and interactive showcases that encouraged them to explore the Kingdom’s cultural heritage and learn about the traditions shared by both nations.
A collaborative endeavour
Organised by the Saudi Ministry of Culture with the participation of esteemed cultural entities including the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts, Saudi Artisanal Company, the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Global Center for Arabic Calligraphy, and the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah), Saudi Cultural Week engaged Expo attendees, cultural institutions, and visitors keen to discover Saudi heritage.
Guests were welcomed into the Saudi Heritage Majlis, where they experienced traditional Saudi hospitality and viewed side-by-side presentations of cultural garments, including a Saudi bisht and a Japanese kimono, illustrating the dialogue between the two textile traditions.
Live performances by a Saudi oud player and a Japanese shamisen musician symbolised the harmony between the two cultures.
The programme also featured collaborative demonstrations with Saudi and Japanese artisans presenting crafts together, including Al-Sadu weaving and Japanese tapestry, Khous making and bamboo crafting, and pottery from both traditions.
Visitors participated in hands-on workshops led by craftspeople and students, highlighting the event’s emphasis on cultural exchange and shared learning.
These experiences offered opportunities to explore shared techniques and distinct artistic expressions, reflecting the event’s celebration of traditional crafts.
A photographic exhibition curated by the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives chronicled the history of Saudi-Japanese relations over the past seven decades, highlighting milestones in the longstanding partnership between the two countries.
In addition to the scheduled activities, the Saudi Pavilion at Expo remains open to offer visitors further opportunities to explore the Kingdom’s culture and heritage.
Saudi Cultural Week reaffirms the Kingdom’s commitment to fostering cultural dialogue and exchange, while also commemorating 70 years of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Japan.
