News

On September 4, the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), in collaboration with the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Tokyo and Keio University, hosted the "Arabian Nights Conference, Tokyo" at Keio University's Mita Campus. This conference, the second in the series titled "A Cultural Odyssey across Continents and Centuries: From Abu Dhabi to Madrid, via Tokyo to London," was attended by about 80 participants, including overseas guests, faculty and staff members, and students.

Eight researchers, including two from Keio University, delivered lectures on a wide range of content related to the Arabian Nights, under the theme, "The Arabian Nights (One Thousand and One Nights) and its Influence on Japanese Culture." At the event's opening, the importance of respecting and deepening understanding of different cultures, civilizations, and their values, was emphasized. The lecture began with a description of a leading scholar of Arabic studies with deep ties to Keio University, followed by a history of the spread of the "Arabian Nights" to non-Arabic countries and its influence on modern Japanese literature and theater, such as the works of Yukio Mishima, as well as on Japanese manga and video games. In addition, the lecture also covered gender theory, challenges and prospects for translations between different languages, and research on the "Arabian Nights" as a symbol of cultural exchange.

Finally, the event concluded with a traditional Arabic music performance by one of Japan's leading Arabic musicians.