KUWAIT: The International Women’s Group (IWG) hosted a cultural event titled “Blossoms of Life, Resilience & Hope,” on January 11, bringing together Palestinian and Japanese traditions in a celebration of creativity, resilience and hope. The event was held in collaboration with the Embassies of the State of Palestine and Japan and welcomed distinguished guests, including Sheikha Altaf Salem Al-Ali Al-Sabah and several women ambassadors to Kuwait.
IWG President Marika Kochlamazashvili, spouse of the Georgian ambassador, opened the event, expressing her belief in the Palestinian people’s right to happiness and peace. She thanked Rami Tahboub, Ambassador of Palestine, Kenichiro Mukai, Ambassador of Japan, and the IWG vice presidents – Rima Khalidi and Midori Mukai – for their role in organizing the event.
Ambassador Tahboub highlighted the strong ties between Palestine and Japan, noting Japan’s support for Palestinian economic development, infrastructure and its contributions to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). Ambassador Mukai spoke of Japan’s long-standing friendship with Palestine and its backing of initiatives like the “Corridor for Peace and Prosperity,” aimed at building a peaceful and prosperous Palestinian state.
Serving as master of ceremonies, Rima Khalidi emphasized art and music as universal languages that connect people across cultures. A recorded message from Palestinian-Japanese soprano Mariam Tamari, delivered from Paris, reflected on cultural similarities between Palestine and Japan and called for global remembrance of Gaza, praising its peoples’ steadfastness as a symbol of justice and dignity.
The event featured a rich cultural program. Videos showcased Japan’s natural beauty and Jerusalem’s historical and religious significance. Poetry readings by Diala S Al-Alami and Anna Mukai drew parallels between Palestinian almond blossoms and Japanese plum blossoms, symbolizing renewal and resilience. Paintings by Palestinian artist Vladimir Tamari, known for abstract watercolors depicting “powerful landscapes of living light,” were displayed throughout, reflecting his experiences in both Palestine and Japan.
The highlight was the Palestinian Embroidery Obi Project, blending Japanese kimono obis with Palestinian embroidery, and a fashion show combining Kuwaiti, Japanese and Palestinian attire. During the event, Japanese artist Toru Uchiyama created a live painting of Mount Fuji and cherry blossoms. Among the works he brought from Japan was a special piece titled “Three Springs,” inspired by a poem by Al-Alami, depicting plum, almond and cherry blossoms together – symbolizing hope for peace as the world welcomes spring. A creative culinary demonstration by chefs from Sakura Restaurant showcased sushi infused with falafel, deliciously blending Japanese and Palestinian cuisines.
The event concluded with musical performances: a recorded duet by Mariam Tamari and her aunt Tania Tamari, followed by a live performance by the Japanese chorus group “Barrel,” led by Ambassador Mukai. Interactive installations included virtual reality experiences of the “Tree of Life” mosaic from Jericho Among the interactive installations, guests explored a display dedicated to the “Tree of Life” mosaic from Hisham’s Palace in Jericho – one of the largest floor mosaics in the world – currently preserved through a major project by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). They also tried the intricately decorated Palestinian embroidery cookies prepared by Wafa Dudin.
