Japan's Expo 2020 pavilion to pay homage to Arabic culture

The structure will showcase nation's respect for other cultures

Japan has paid homage to Arabic design and culture at the launch of its pavilion for Expo 2020 Dubai.

Symbolising the historical connection between the Middle East and Japan, it features an elaborate facade with Arabic and Japanese patterns reflecting the ancient Silk Road trade route.

The pavilion, entitled The Crosspoint for the Future, aims to attract visitors of all ages from different nationalities.

Inside the structure, tourists will have the opportunity to experience Japanese traditions, culture and art through a sensory experience using the latest technologies.

“We are delighted with the concept and design of the Japanese pavilion and are certain it will add value to the prestige and legacy that global Expos represent," said Tomiyasu Nakamura, commissioner general of the Japanese Section of Expo 2020 Dubai.

“By encouraging and inspiring the next generation to take the initiative in the development of future solutions, the Japan pavilion represents our vision of leading a future society based on the spirit, techniques, culture and elements unique to Japan.”

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“Expo 2020 Dubai represents an enormous opportunity for global exhibitors, like Japan, to showcase our social, cultural and economic initiatives to the global community," said Tetsuya Azuma, vice commissioner general of the Japanese Section.

“We will be able to leverage the pavilion as a launch pad to develop and promote future relations,” he said.

Speaking to The NationaI, architect and concept designer of the pavilion, Yuko Nagayama said: "I enjoy working with patterns and found the patterns in Arabic architecture to be very fascinating.

"I drew comparisons between the Arabic patterns and classic Japanese patterns and saw that there can be a merging of the two, which resulted in the idea of the Silk Road, which is one of the themes of the design.

“I take great interest not only in the aesthetic look of Arabesque style of design but also in the geometric and functional structure of it.

"I wanted there to be light and shadow manipulation as well as angle manipulation."