RIYADH: The Japanese Embassy in Riyadh organized the Japan Festival on Friday at the Cultural Palace in the Diplomatic Quarter to celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Japan.

The event, attended by cultural figures, economic leaders, government officials and diplomats, aimed to promote cultural exchange and highlight the growing partnership between the two nations in cultural, economic and educational fields.

The festival showcased a mix of traditional and modern Japanese culture, including Wadaiko drumming, Kabuki dance, Tsugaru Shamisen music and exhibits of handicrafts, calligraphy, traditional costumes and culinary arts.

An accompanying exhibition also featured Japanese companies operating in the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

Japanese Ambassador Morino Yasunari said the deep friendship is entering a new phase of cooperation, driven by Saudi Arabia’s comprehensive development under Vision 2030.

He added that cultural cooperation strengthens human and economic ties, and highlighted the importance of cultural diplomacy in building bridges between the two peoples.