Ithra’s Cultural Days program invites audiences of all ages and interests to engage with a chosen culture from around the globe through a range of interactive and enriching events. The program activates all of Ithra’s venues transforming Saudi Arabia’s premier cultural centre into a vibrant platform for learning and cultural exchange.
A key highlight of this year’s program is the exclusive and fi rst-ever appearance in Saudi Arabia of world-renowned Japanese drumming ensemble Drum Tao at Ithra Theatre. Performed in over 500 cities worldwide to over nine million spectators, this energizing concert blends traditional Taiko drumming, fl ute and harp melodies and contemporary choreography for a culturally enriching experience epitomising modern Japanese culture and its rich traditions.
Japan cultural days programs also include the following:
Activities
A range of interactive activities will include a metaverse experience to explore Tokyo, a Japanese bazaar with traditional handmade items and authentic street food and a Japanese House Experience to experience the Japanese tea ceremony.
Exhibitions
Two free exhibitions will showcase the beauty and craftsmanship of traditional Japanese kimonos and the engineering and design excellence of classic and modern Japanese cars.
Film screenings Seven acclaimed Japanese fi lms will be screened with Arabic subtitles at Ithra’s Cinema, including Oscar nominated and winning animated works by Studio Ghibli, The Boy and the Heron (2023) and Howls Moving Castle (2004), and the zombie movie sensation One Cut of the Dead (2017) with an exclusive Q&A with the writer-director Shinichiro Ueda.
Live performances
Ithra’s Theatre and Lush Garden will host eight shows of traditional and contemporary
Japanese performing arts, including a traditional Kabuki theatre production and a live Kendama performance – a traditional Japanese skill toy – led by Tokyo 2022 Olympics opening performer Waaonwagi and Guinness Record winner Ito Yusuke.
Workshops
Fifteen hands-on workshops will bring Japanese culinary, performance, art and craft experts to Ithra to lead engaging sessions on traditional Japanese calligraphy, sushi making, fl ower arranging and manga writing and drawing.
Talks
Dialogue Sessions will explore facets of Japanese culture from a Saudi perspective, including panels on translating renowned author Haruki Murakami into Arabic and a panel led by Saudi travel writer and photographer Badr Al-Balawi.
“The Japan Cultural Days are an important part of Ithra’s wider mission to make a tangible and positive impact on human development by offering local audiences meaningful opportunities for cultural exchange. The extensive and interactive programming across disciplines provides a deep dive into the rich and vibrant aesthetics, artistry and creativity of Japanese culture and society, strengthening the relationship between Japan and Saudi Arabia by highlighting the cultural synergies and bridges between the two countries.” says Noura Alzamil, Ithra’s Head of Programs.
For further information on the full program and to book tickets for this not to be missed event, see Ithra’s website.
About Ithra
The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) is a world-class destination and the beating heart of Saudi Arabia’s culture & creative industry contributing to its prosperity by enabling talent, supporting content production and encouraging cross-cultural exchange that promotes social harmony and human development. Ithra is Saudi Aramco’s most ambitious CSR initiative and the largest cultural contribution to the Kingdom. Through a compelling series of programs, workshops, performances, events, exhibitions and other various initiatives, Ithra creates world-class experiences that bring together culture, innovation and knowledge designed to appeal to everyone. Ithra’s components include the Idea Lab, Library, Theatre, Museum, Cinema, Great Hall, Energy Exhibit, Children’s Museum and Ithra Tower.
For more information, please visit www.ithra.com. Follow Ithra on social media: Facebook (King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture), X (@Ithra) and Instagram (@Ithra) #Ithra.
