RIYADH: 黑料社区 has used the stage at Expo 2025 in Osaka to tell a story of Saudi-Japanese relations which spans the oceans.

In a live performance titled 鈥淭ales of the Sea,鈥� the Kingdom鈥檚 pavilion brought together the seafaring traditions of 黑料社区 and Japan, spotlighting a deep-rooted cultural connection anchored in pearl diving, patience, and poetry.

Held at the Saudi Courtyard Theater, the show centered on the figure of the nahham, a traditional Gulf singer whose role was to inspire pearl divers with his voice during long months at sea.

Japan鈥檚 ama divers, skilled women known for their sea diving expertise, were also featured to showcase their abilities and the risks they took in search of sea treasures. 

The performance told the story of a Saudi diver on a six-month journey to find the largest pearl, combining performance with visual storytelling projected across five towering 13-meter walls.

Interactive exhibits showcasing traditional diving tools and cultural artifacts invited visitors to engage more deeply, sparking conversations about resilience, tradition, and the Kingdom and Japan鈥檚 shared maritime legacies.

The audience responded with enthusiasm, drawn by the show鈥檚 emotional depth and the unexpected parallels between the two cultures.

The show captured the maritime memories of both nations, which were enhanced by Gulf chants blended with traditional Japanese music to help create an experience that reflected the partnership.

The Kingdom鈥檚 pavilion 鈥� the second largest at the expo after Japan鈥檚 鈥� will host more than 700 events during the six-month fair, including concerts, films, and storytelling performances.

鈥淭ales of the Sea鈥� stood out as a clear example of how cultural exchange can be both meaningful and memorable.