Japanese Students Hail the Emirati Culture at UAEU
More than 38 Japanese students from Fuji Mae Gaoka School in Tokyo visited United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) for the second time as part of the mutual cooperation between the two educational institutes for scientific, cultural and heritage exchanges between students of both countries.
A welcoming ceremony was held in the University by UAEU’s Japanese Students’ Club ‘Sakura’ where Mr. Mohammed Al-Shamsi, Assistant Secretary General for Services greeted the students and highlighted the strong similarities between Japanese and Emirati culture such as the pride both nations have in their rich history and rising technical and urban growth. He praised the level of scientific and cultural exchange between UAEU and Japanese educational institutions in many aspects.
Aarisa Nomura, a visiting Japanese student expressed her joy at the significant development that has taken place in the UAE, she said, " You can hardly notice the difference between our countries in terms of lifestyle, it is truly wonderful! I especially enjoy traditional Emirati food and am honored to be participating in this cultural exchange program."
Another student, Shinatsu said, "I particularly like the Emirati henna designs and the way everything in this society is connected to keeping heritage and folklore alive."
The Japanese cultural program organizer, Mr. Yoshida Narutoshi stated that they encourage Japanese students to maintain communication with their Emirati peers and that through these visits, meetings and conversations in cultural and scientific programs, the relationship between Japan and UAE will continue to prosper.
Amna Al-Darmaki, Noura Al-Shamsi, Eman Al-Shamsi and Kulthoum Al-Awar from UAEU Sakura Club voiced their excitement over the Japanese students visit as they had made a trip to Japan last summer and were glad to explore the two countries together. A cultural and touring program was planned for the visiting students that included a Yola which was performed by Al-Ain School students, traditional food servings, henna designs, a visit to Ferrari World, Al-Ain Zoo, and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
In exchange, the students of Fuji Mae Gaoka School demonstrated the art of serving Japanese tea, flower arrangement, martial arts karate, the art of folding paper called oregami and an introduction to the school.
