Keiko Okuda, wife of Japanese Ambassador Norihiro Okuda, with a guest at the abaya competition organized to mark six decades of Saudi–Japan diplomatic ties.

The Embassy of Japan in Riyadh is celebrating the 60th anniversary of Saudi-Japan diplomatic relations, marking the special occasion with a host of cultural events including an abaya competition to reflect the strong cultural ties between the two countries.

Speaking to Arab News on Sunday, a culture and education official of the embassy revealed that a series of cultural events has been organized including the “Abaya Competition 2015” in collaboration with UTIC Co. Ltd. of Japan.

The official sai the event is part of the yearlong celebration of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Kingdom and Japan.

He said that the grand finale of the abaya contest was hel Thursday in the presence of Princess Adwa bint Yazeed Al-Saud at the Arts and Skills Institute (ASI).

Keiko Okuda, wife of Japanese Ambassador Norihiro Okuda, attended the finale as a juror and presented awards to the winners.

Speaking on the occasion, Okuda said: “I am very proud that our cooperation with Saudi Arabia has been strengthened in the field of arts and culture.”

She added that this event particularly reflects the wonderful collaboration between the two countries in a sense that the abaya, “of Saudi folklore,” is made of the Japanese fabrics.

“I understand that Japan, with its culture of the kimono, has a special sense and technique of making black fabric deeper black,” she pointed out.

She also applauded the students participating in the competition, saying: “I am very impressed by the quality of work by the students.”

The embassy has also organized other cultural events and opened a cultural booth to introduce Japanese kimonos.

Visitors to the cultural program enjoyed the display of Japanese traditional costumes spread among several booths at the event.

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