Japanese Cultural Festival Hayy Matsuri Begins In Jeddah To Foster Cultural Exchange

Hayy Jameel in Jeddah is staging the third annual Japanese cultural festival Hayy Matsuri. The three-day event presents Japanese arts, food and creative practices to visitors. Organisers say the festival strengthens cultural links between Saudi Arabia and Japan. The programme highlights how artistic activity can support dialogue and human connection.

Hayy Matsuri runs until 10 January at Hayy Jameel. The festival is built around the Japanese concept of Shu Ha Ri. This philosophy focuses on learning through imitation, then gradual development, followed by innovation and independent creation. The idea shapes how activities are designed and delivered across the venue.

The festival offers a wide cultural programme that combines traditional elements with contemporary creativity. Visitors can attend musical performances and live demonstrations across different spaces. Hayy Cinema presents an expanded film schedule dedicated to Japanese works. Interactive activities are planned for varied age groups, giving families, students and specialists shared access to cultural experiences.

Events cover anime and manga showcases, cultural competitions, games and handicraft workshops. Sessions on visual culture, poetry and design are also included. Live performances highlight Japanese artistic practices and heritage customs. These activities seek to present both historic and modern aspects of Japanese culture, while also encouraging participation from local audiences in Jeddah.

This year’s Hayy Matsuri features the return of the open market. Stalls offer Japanese culture-inspired products, alongside Japanese dishes and drinks. The market allows visitors to explore Japanese cuisine in a busy cultural setting. A dedicated interactive space hosts immersive music listening, influenced by Japan’s deep-listening environments and sound culture.

Hayy Matsuri’s third edition forms part of a wider cultural model at Hayy Jameel. The institution aims to deepen mutual understanding between communities through cultural and artistic exchange. The festival supports local arts in Saudi Arabia, while celebrating cultural diversity and presenting Japanese creativity to audiences in the Middle East.

With inputs from SPA