According to IRNA, Ambassador Komano who was speaking at the opening ceremony of Japan Culture Week in Isfahan, added, "This is the first time that the Japan Culture Week is held in the beautiful and highly cultural city of Isfahan."
He reiterated, "We had a number of programs in Tehran in the past, but never had any such experience in other Iranian cities."
The Japanese diplomat referred to the presence of the Japanese artistic troupe Guen Ten in Isfahan, reiterating, "The Japanese artists would perform their works in Isfahan very proudly."
Komano reiterated, "Iran and Japan have strong traditional arts and cultures."
Japan`s accredited ambassador to Iran referred to the philosophical background of some of the works presented at the exhibition of his country's artists in Isfahan, stressing, "Among them I can refer to the photo exhibition, the Japanese flower designing, and the tea exhibitions."
He expressed hope that the Isfahani people would during the while that these cultural events are held manage to get better acquainted with the Japanese arts and culture.
The Japanese envoy further emphasized, "Cultural and artistic exchanges can pave the path for development, mutual understanding, and briefly speaking improving the Japan-Iran relations."
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Japan-Iran Cultural Agreement concluded in 1957 with cultural exchanges commemorating the 50th anniversary of this agreement from November 2008 to November 2009 in both countries.
The two countries have had the most active human exchanges in the Middle East (about 40% of the government sponsored foreign students).
Two Iran Culture Weeks were organized by the Embassy of Iran in Tokyo, one in July 1997, and the other in May 2003.
The first and second Japan Culture Week and Month in Tehran were organized by the Embassy of Japan in Tehran in respectively in October 1998, and October 1999. A project to introduce Japanese culture in Iran was also held in February 2003.
`The Glory of Persia` exhibiting was held one after the other in Tokyo, Aichi, Hokkaido, Fukuoka, and Osaka, from August 2006 to September 2007. The history of Persia dating back about 7,000 years ago was introduced through an exhibit of approximately 200 pieces, mostly from the National Museum of Iran.
The year 2009 was the 80th anniversary of the opening of Japan-Iran diplomatic relations.
(H-AK)
Editor: Ella Syafputri
Copyright © ANTARA 2012
