Japan Cultural Month Opens in Tabriz

The Japan Cultural Month opened in Tabriz, capital of the northwestern East Azarbaijan Province, on January 16 with a concert by the Japanese drum band SAI, in the presence of the Japanese Ambassador Hiroyasu Kobayashi.

Japan’s most noted drum band, SAI has appeared in advertisements of well-known Japanese companies as well as television programs in the country. It has performed in China, Azerbaijan Republic and the US, ISNA reported.

Kobayashi said the band has a huge number of fans for using new styles in playing traditional Japanese drums, and “I am sure, Iranians also enjoyed their performance.”

At the opening ceremony held at the Shahryar International Hotel, provincial musicians collaborated with SAI in a joint performance, demonstrating that art knows no boundaries.

Another performance by the band is scheduled on January 18 as part of the 32nd Fajr International Music Festival at Vahdat Hall in Tehran.

The event is organized by the Embassy of Japan in collaboration with Sumitomo Corporation, SAI Drum Band, Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Department of East Azarbaijan, Music Office of the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, Fajr International Music Festival and Niavaran Cultural Center.

“We would like to have greater cultural exchanges with Tabriz and make use of each other’s potentials,” Kobayashi asserted.

The Japanese Embassy will also host  ‘Japan Day’ at Niavaran on January 29, which will include cultural and art programs such as Japanese calligraphy, making of small fragrant bags, Japanese tea ceremony, method of wearing kimono, presenting old games and many more. Also in collaboration with the Karate Federation, a Karate show will be performed.

The Japan Cultural Month will wrap up with a Japanese language speech contest at the embassy in Tehran on February 3.