Traditional Japanese breeze arrives in Istanbul with cultural, foodie events

Japanese culture is coming to Istanbul this week until March 3 at the Caddebostan Culture Center (CKM) in Istanbul's Kadıköy district on the Asian side. With the initiatives of the Japanese General Consulate in Istanbul and the Kadıköy Municipality, the Japanese Culture Festival kicked off on Saturday under this year's theme, "Children & Dream," referring to "Hinamatsuri" (The Doll Festival), a traditional celebration that is marked on March 3 every year. Families observe Hinamatsuri by displaying dolls in the home until their daughters reach adulthood, in hopes that it brings health and success to girls.

This tradition, originating in China, was initially carried out by aristocrats during the Heian era but eventually spread among all social classes and became an annual festival in Japan. During the festival, Japanese dolls will remain on display at the event venue.

Aiming to improve cultural interactions between Turkey and Japan, the festival introduces traditional Japanese tea culture to visitors at workshops. Japanese and Turkish artists have also gathered for this event with a collective exhibition "Nittoten Six." Popular Japanese children's author Kobayashi Yutaka is also among the festival's special guests.

A number of workshops are available at the festival, including "Ikebana" (arranging flowers), "Bonsai" (a form of art using trees grown in containers), "Shodo" (Japanese calligraphy) and "Iaido" (Japanese martial art), as well as Japanese film screenings and traditional "Go" tournaments.