Ambassador Kobayashi’s message on Japan Cultural Month in Iran

Ambassador Kobayashi’s message on Japan Cultural Month in Iran, AVA Diplomatic reports.

I am Kobayashi, the Ambassador of Japan to Iran. It’s been a year since the last Japan Cultural Week. The piano concert of Ms. Etsuko Hirose, the Paris-based pianist, was last year’s main program during which many Iranians became familiar with Japanese culture.

In the past year, H.E. Mr. Kawai, the advisor to the Prime Minister of Japan, and H.E. Mr. Sonoura, Japan’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, visited Iran, and H.E. Dr. Zarif, Iran’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, and H.E. Mr. Tayyebnia, Iran’s Minister of Economic Affairs and Finance, visited Japan, which resulted in the expansion of ties between Japan and Iran.

Following the development of bilateral relations of Japan and Iran, in collaboration with Sumitomo Corporation, Fajr International Music Festival, Music Office of the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, East Azarbaijan’s Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization, Tabriz 2018 Policymaking Council and Niavaran Cultural Center, we present 2017’s Japan Cultural Month in Tehran and Tabriz from January 16th to February 3rd.

From Japan, SAI Drum Music Band has been invited to Iran to perform at the amphitheater of Shahryar International Hotel in Tabriz on January 16th, and the band is also to perform at Vahdat Hall at the 32nd Fajr International Music Festival on January 18th. SAI Drum Band has appeared in advertisements of well-known Japanese companies as well as television programs of Japan, and is currently Japan’s most noted Drum Band, which has performed in China, Azerbaijan, the US etc. The performance of this young team is very energetic. I hope many Iranians participate in these concerts.

In order to introduce Japanese Culture, on January 29th, with the cooperation of Sumitomo Corporation, “Japan Day” will be held at Niavaran Cultural Center. Programs such as Japanese calligraphy, making small fragrant bags, Japanese tea ceremony, method of wearing kimono, presenting old games, and other different programs are planned to present the culture of Japan for enthusiasts in one place. Also in collaboration with the Karate federation, the Karate show will be performed for invitees. A variety of programs have been arranged for children and adults. Attendance at this event is highly recommended.

Japan Cultural Month will end with the Japanese Language Contest at the Embassy of Japan on February 3rd. In order to witness the outcome of the efforts of those who learn the Japanese language in Iran, attendance at this event is recommended.

I hope that during this month, many Iranians closely feel the culture of Japan. May those who are not familiar with the Japanese culture take the opportunity to understand Japanese culture by participating in these events.