DHAHRAN: A vibrant celebration of Japanese culture including tea ceremonies, sushi workshops, and manga drawing classes will be held in Dhahran from Jan. 23 to Feb. 8 as part of the “Japan Cultural Days” event hosted by the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, or Ithra.

Organizers say that the event highlights the deep-rooted friendship and cultural exchange between Saudi Arabia and Japan as the two nations mark 70 years of diplomatic relations this year.

“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,” Noura Al-Zamil, Ithra’s Head of Programs, said in a statement.

Visitors can expect to be immersed in a wide variety of activities that showcase the richness of Japanese tradition and innovation.

Offerings such as the Japanese House Experience, which introduces the art of the tea ceremony, and the creation of wagashi (Japanese sweets), will emphasize the themes of mindfulness and harmony that are central to Japanese culture.

For those with a passion for cinema, a ticketed selection of Japanese films will be screened, spanning both classic and modern works, from heartfelt dramas to vibrant animations.

Workshops will be a key element of the 17-day celebration, providing plentiful opportunities to engage with Japanese traditions.

Visitors can learn about the intricacies of creating and decorating masks and making traditional-inspired Japanese fans and postcards.

Additionally, participants can learn about the centuries-old practice of cultivating miniature trees, combining art and nature.

There is also a sushi-making workshop, in addition to one centered on kintsugi, where participants can learn how to repair broken pottery with lacquer dusted with powdered gold.

There will be workshops dedicated to manga writing and drawing, a calligraphy class and sessions dedicated to origami, the art of folding paper into shapes.

Participants will be able to solve riddles and visit thematic stations at the Cultural Quest section, deepening their understanding of Japanese customs and traditions in a fun and interactive way.

A kimono exhibition will offer spectators the chance to view traditional Japanese garments and learn about their cultural significance.

The event will also host a classic car exhibit, showcasing iconic Japanese automobiles and their impact on the automotive world.

The event will feature a series of captivating performances that highlight the dynamism of Japanese arts.

Among these is the Kingdom’s debut of the much-anticipated Drum Tao performance, blending traditional taiko drumming with flute and harp melodies and contemporary choreography.

Lush Gardens will also offer a Japanese bazaar experience and a flower arranging station, as well as eight live outdoor shows.

These include a traditional kabuki theater production and a live kendama performance, led by Tokyo 2022 Olympics opening performer Waaonwagi and Guinness Record winner Ito Yusuke.

Young visitors will not be left out. The Children’s Museum will offer numerous hands-on workshops and storytelling sessions designed for youngsters that will bring Japanese folklore to life.

For more details and the full schedule of events, visit Ithra’s official website or their social media channels.

RIYADH: The Communications, Space and Technology Commission and the Saudi Space Agency, in partnership with Neo Space Group, have launched the global SpaceUp Competition to develop innovative space-based solutions.

The contest aims to promote space entrepreneurship, support local companies specializing in space-based solutions, attract global entrepreneurs, startups and small and medium-sized enterprises, and encourage the adoption of space-based solutions across various sectors.

SpaceUp offers six challenge tracks with contractual opportunities of around $28 million, in addition to providing direct access to end-users and localization.

The first track, “Monitoring Date Palms Pest and Disease,” sponsored by the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture and the Weqaa Center, focuses on space-based solutions to monitor palm farms and detect pests.

The second, “Improving City Livability by Monitoring Urban Heat Islands,” by the Quality of Life Program, aims to solve the problem of rising temperatures in crowded cities.

“Monitoring the Impact of Infrastructure Development,” by Riyadh Infrastructure Projects Center, promotes infrastructure projects and traffic management.

The fourth and fifth tracks, both sponsored by the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, are “Optimizing Urban Road Assets,” which aims to provide solutions to detect urban road damage and improve maintenance, and “Mapping of Urban Trees,” focused on monitoring and maintaining urban green spaces.

The final track, “Greening Saudi Arabia,” seeks to monitor tree growth and support sustainability efforts related to the Saudi Green Initiative.

“The SpaceUp Competition extends the efforts of CST and the SSA in enhancing investment opportunities in the Saudi space sector and stimulating research and innovation,” said a statement released by the CST on Monday.

Registration for the competition starts on Jan. 20 and will be open until April 12 via the competition webpage at https://new.cst.gov.sa/en/about/program-and-initiatives/spaceup-competition