Published on
November 5, 2025
A significant cultural event, the Japan Festival 2025 in Riyadh, was meticulously staged to honour a momentous diplomatic achievement: the 70th anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the nations of Japan and Saudi Arabia. This major celebration, representing the fifth instalment of the popular festival, was held over two days, commencing on October 31 and concluding on November 1. The festival was not merely an exhibition but a profound affirmation of the enduring friendship and cooperative spirit that has characterised the relationship between the two countries for seven decades.
A carefully curated programme of activities and displays was provided, designed to deepen mutual understanding and inspire future exchange. The expansive reach of Japanese culture and the breadth of its travel attractions were showcased, successfully positioning the event as a vital nexus for burgeoning tourism and cultural ties in the Middle East region. This landmark occasion was strategically planned to reinforce the established goodwill, serving as a powerful platform for continued bilateral engagement in the years to come.
A Milestone of Enduring Diplomacy
The foundation of the relationship between the two nations was officially laid seventy years prior, establishing a bedrock of diplomatic interaction that has been consistently cultivated through various political, economic, and cultural channels. This commemorative festival was rightly considered a pinnacle moment in the ongoing narrative of shared history. Throughout the decades, the relationship has been characterised by a robust exchange, particularly in the fields of energy, technology, and trade, where mutual interests have consistently been served. The significance of this anniversary, therefore, was magnified, representing not just a chronological marker but a testament to the stability and reliability inherent in the partnership.
The Cultural Palace Transformed
The prestigious Cultural Palace, situated within the distinguished Diplomatic Quarter (DQ) of Riyadh, was selected as the fitting venue for this high-profile celebration. This choice of location provided a formal yet accessible setting for the thousands of anticipated visitors. The execution of the festival was achieved through the collaborative efforts of several key organisations, ensuring a comprehensive and expertly managed event. The Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO) Dubai Office was entrusted with the responsibility of co-hosting the event, working in close collaboration with the Embassy of Japan in Saudi Arabia, JETRO Riyadh, and the Riyadh Japanese Association. This consortium of hosts ensured that every facet of the festival, from official protocols to the engaging cultural presentations, was meticulously handled.
Showcasing Regional Treasures
A central and highly impactful element of the festival was the special tourism promotion zone, which was expertly organised by the JNTO. This dedicated area was conceived with the explicit purpose of introducing attendees to the vast diversity of Japan’s regional attractions and its numerous lesser-known destinations. A conscious effort was made to shift the focus beyond the universally recognised major cities, such as Tokyo and Osaka, in order to present a more holistic view of the country. The aim was to inspire prospective travellers to look beyond the usual itineraries and venture into new, undiscovered areas of Japan, where authentic cultural and travel experiences could be sought.
Interactive Experiences and Cultural Harmony
Within the Japan Tourism Promotion Zone, visitors were afforded the invaluable opportunity to participate in a rich variety of interactive cultural activities. These sessions were meticulously guided by experts who had travelled from Japan specifically for the event, lending an unparalleled degree of authenticity to the experience. The stage performances captivated audiences, while the experiential booths offered hands-on engagement with traditional Japanese arts, including the meticulous crafting of bonsai, the meditative practice of the tea ceremony, the elegance of the kimono, and the artistic precision of calligraphy.
Particular attention was paid to drawing parallels between the cultures of Japan and Saudi Arabia. At the kimono booth, for instance, a thoughtful presentation was given by the staff, highlighting the aesthetic harmony that exists between Japan’s traditional kimono and Saudi Arabia’s respected abaya. Simultaneously, the renowned silk-weaving culture of the Kansai region was introduced, adding an important layer of regional economic and historical context to the textile display. The strong positive reception was evident, with many visitors expressing a sincere desire for a future opportunity to walk through Japanese streets while being respectfully dressed in a kimono during their upcoming travels to Japan.
A Growing Travel Momentum
The success of the two-day event was quantifiable, with an impressive attendance figure of approximately 10,000 visitors being recorded, a total that included a large number of local residents from Riyadh and beyond. Through their direct engagement with the traditional Japanese culture that was presented, attendees were observed to be developing a noticeably deeper appreciation for the heritage of Japan, and a clear motivation to consider travelling to the island nation was effectively instilled.
Statements were made by Daisuke Kobayashi, the Executive Director of the JNTO Dubai Office, who conveyed the organisation’s deep satisfaction regarding the high volume of visitors welcomed to the Japan Festival 2025 in Riyadh. It was confirmed that the event successfully provided an excellent opportunity to formally celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Japan and Saudi Arabia, while simultaneously presenting Japan’s distinctive culture and its diverse range of travel attractions.
Bridging Expositions and Futures
The timing of the festival was not coincidental but strategically significant, with the event being staged following the formal conclusion of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, and prior to the highly anticipated launch of Expo 2030 Riyadh. This chronological placement was considered symbolic, effectively establishing a bridge of friendship and professional collaboration between the two nations, linking a major past international event in Japan with a critical future global showcase in Saudi Arabia.
