Japan’s capital Tokyo will experience all the sights and sounds of an authentic Qatari souk between September 27 and October 1 when ‘Qatar Week: Ferjaan in Tokyo’ opens its doors to the public.
The event at Roppongi Hills will represent a high point in Qatar-Japan 2012, a year of cultural, sporting and business-related activities which celebrate 40 years of friendship between Qatar and Japan.
Ferjaan, which means ‘neighbourhood’ in colloquial Qatari Arabic, will feature a large cultural village that will showcase modern Qatari culture through a historically accurate representation of a souk.
The souk, which will bear a striking resemblance to Doha’s own Souk Waqif, will be set in one of Tokyo’s most bustling areas, and is expected to attract thousands who will be able to discover more about Qatar.
The souk will incorporate Qatari companies and organisations sharing and showcasing Qatari life, culture and business.
In accompaniment will be Qatari music and dance performances, a number of informative talks and presentations, and a selection of Qatari products.
Visitors will also be able to witness the traditional Qatari national dress and experience first hand the age-old art of Arabic “henna” tattoo.
Plans are also afoot to share Qatari cuisine and Ritz-Carlton Doha will provide guidance to a team of Japanese chefs.
Also planned will be an Arabian camel and falcons show reflecting the traditional world of desert life and hunting in Qatar.
Qatar-Japan 2012 has already featured a number of fascinating events that have given insights into the arts and culture of the two nations.
Highlights have included a groundbreaking exhibition in the Museum of Islamic Art by renowned artist Takashi Murakami, and a busy programme of photo exhibitions, performances, fashion shows and talks held in both Qatar and Japan.
The most recent event was a spectacular exhibition entitled ‘Pearls of the Sea’ held in Tokyo.
The exhibition showcased around 200 works of art encompassing everything from historical objects to jewellery.
Along with the collection of Qatar Museums Authority, the artefacts included Elizabeth Taylor’s natural pearl earrings by Bvlgari, Marilyn Monroe’s pearl necklace by Mikimoto, and six royal tiaras from European monarchies, including the tiara of Lady Diana from her step-mother.
Qatar and Japan have enjoyed excellent relations over 40 years and continue to be major trade and business partners. In recent years, this friendship has expanded into the fields of education, culture and technology.
Key to the relationship is mutual respect and support, and “Qatar Week: Ferjaan in Tokyo”, under the auspices of Qatar-Japan 2012, will strengthen the spirit of friendship by sharing valuable insights in Qatari life.
Gulf Times
Follow us on our social media channels:
@ILQlive
@ILQlive
@ILoveQtr
ILoveQatar
