JEDDAH: The second edition of Hayy Matsuri, a cultural festival honoring the blending of Japanese and Saudi customs, arts, and innovation, has been introduced by Art Jameel in association with the Consulate General of Japan in Jeddah and Abdul Latif Jameel Motors. The festival commemorates the 70th anniversary of Japan and Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic ties and runs till January 11 at Hayy Jameel. Japanese music group Electronicos Fantasticos! and sound artist Daisuke Tanabe, both making their Saudi debuts, will perform exclusively at this year’s event.
In partnership with Saudi artists DesertFish, Akram Ali, and Abstract Crew, their innovative work—which turns commonplace items and recycled electronics into musical instruments—will be on display. Together, they use immersive audiovisual performances to examine memories of the past, present, and future. With almost 3,000 attendees on its first day, the festival has already attracted a great deal of public interest.
Art Jameel’s director, Antonia Carver, emphasized the festival’s significance in promoting cross-cultural interaction. “We have a unique cultural connection here to explore through Hayy Matsuri because of the Jameel family’s long history of generosity and our ties with Japan through ALJ Motors and Toyota. “This year is especially important to us because it celebrates 70 years of Toyota’s presence in Saudi Arabia as well as 70 years of diplomatic ties between Japan and Saudi Arabia.
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