10 November 2015
H.E Shaikha Mai Receives Japanese Ambassador
H.E Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al-Khalifa, president of Bahrain Authority for Culture & Antiquities (BACA), received on 10 November 2015 the Japanese ambassador to Bahrain, H.E Kiyoshi Asako. The meeting discussed ways of boosting cultural cooperation and Japan’s contribution to the richness of the cultural scene in Bahrain.
During the meeting, H.E Shaikha Mai hailed the strong bilateral cooperation mainly in the cultural field pointing out that many Japanese cultural and art events had been scheduled as part of the Bahrain Summer Festival program. H.E added that the Bahraini public still remembers the mesmerizing and innovative performance show entitled ‘Beat Bumper: Wrecking Crew Orchestra’, a Japanese fashion show, the Makie art expo,Pink Martini & Japanese Saori Yuki and last, but not least, the gorgeous music mix between the magic mystery of the East and world music in the Arts Festival in Asilah 36th International Cultural Forum, Morocco.
In addition, the Bahrain National Orchestra led by Missa Johnouchi, the acclaimed Japanese conductor and UNESCO Ambassador for Peace will perform again in January 2016 as part of an event organized to promote ‘Invest in Culture’ in Bahrain. H.E also mentioned the contemporary design, by world –renowned designer, Tado Indo as part of a museum and research center in Sar.
Ambassador Kiyoshi Asako, for his part, stressed the role of culture in promoting increased understanding between Japan and Bahrain, renowned for its unique openness and diversity. The Japanese ambassador stressed the need to open new channels for bilateral cooperation in all fields, including culture, expressing his delight in discovering the glorious and wonderful Bahraini civilizations, culture and heritage, which are exhibited for the visitors at the National Museum
The meeting also discussed bilateral cooperation, mainly in the cultural field, reviewing joint events hosted by Bahrain which reflect the kingdom's cultural momentum. Both sides also spotlighted Japan Cinema Days, which will be co-organized by the Japanese embassy and BACA in February and March 2016, as well as other cultural functions to be hosted by Bahrain in the next months.
