Tokyo Showcases Its Culture in Abu Dhabi with First-Ever Tourism Promotion Event
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau (TCVB) hosted the city’s first-ever tourism and cultural promotion event in Abu Dhabi — “Tokyo Tokyo Old Meets New – Come Discover the Culture of Tokyo.” The initiative aimed to showcase Tokyo’s unique harmony of tradition and innovation, introducing Emirati audiences to the city’s rich heritage and contemporary appeal.
The event was attended by several distinguished guests, including His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and Member of the Executive Council; Her Excellency Yuriko Koike, Governor of Tokyo; His Excellency Shihab Ahmed Al Faheem, UAE Ambassador to Japan; and His Excellency Ken Okaniwa, Ambassador of Japan to the UAE.
Through a series of immersive experiences, visitors explored Tokyo’s vibrant culture — from traditional tea ceremonies and calligraphy demonstrations to pop culture showcases celebrating Tokyo’s global creative influence. A highlight of the evening was the appearance of Mr. Yoichi Takahashi, creator of the iconic football manga Captain Tsubasa (known in the Arab world as Captain Majid), who conducted a live drawing and talk session.
Addressing a captivated audience that included aspiring manga artists, Mr. Takahashi shared how Tokyo’s urban landscapes and energy have inspired his work:
“The landscapes and lifestyles of Tokyo are deeply embedded in the world of Captain Tsubasa.”
Governor Yuriko Koike also took the stage to express her enthusiasm for the growing cultural and tourism ties between Japan and the UAE, saying:
“Tokyo is a city that continuously creates new styles through the intersection of tradition and innovation. We look forward to seeing you in TOKYO.”
The event highlighted Tokyo’s efforts to attract more visitors from the Middle East, a region recognized as one of the most dynamic and promising markets for future travel to Japan. Through such cultural exchanges, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and TCVB aim to deepen mutual understanding and inspire more travelers to experience Tokyo’s endless diversity firsthand.
