RIYADH: Souq Al-Mawsim returns this year at Al-Tawalie, one of Diriyah’s significant historical and natural sites, refreshing the vibrant atmosphere of old markets where the sounds of shopkeepers and buyers fill the air.
This year’s event carries special significance as it celebrates Japan and the rich heritage of Kyoto, marking 70 years of diplomatic relations between the Kingdom and Japan.
Additionally, earlier this month, Riyadh hosted a ceremony to mark this celebration, where Saudi Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Al-Khereiji highlighted the depth of the two countries’ relationship, emphasizing its importance for stability and prosperity both regionally and globally.
The festival is also part of the Diriyah season activities. It supports this occasion, taking place daily from Nov. 9 to Dec. 8, featuring exciting live performances, Saudi and Japanese cuisine, and cultural activities.
“This was my first time here, and getting in was very easy. The place is wonderful. The connection between Saudi and Japanese cultures was like a dream; things like sculpture and ceramics really fascinated me,” Rahaf Ali, a local visitor at the event, told Arab News.
The souq was designed with an identity that blends the two cultures, from aesthetic elements to details that reflect the spirit of each, offering visitors a sensory experience that deepens their appreciation for both Saudi and Japanese heritage.
The souq features 20 shops as well as 15 restaurants, and a variety of activities and exhibitions showcasing handicrafts and traditional clothing.
There are also areas dedicated to traditional Saudi cooking, along with musical and artistic performances that reflect the heritage of Diriyah.
In addition, various booths were set up for Saudi and Japanese artists to exchange experiences, making Souq Al-Mawsim a stage where the past meets the present, and history meets creativity.
A piece of traditional Japanese game equipment offered for visitors to try is the “hagoita.”
This is a flat wooden paddle traditionally used in hanetsuki, a Japanese New Year’s game resembling badminton, where players bat a shuttlecock back and forth.
One of the Japanese players at Souq Al-Mawsim, Ryo Sorimachi, said it was “like badminton or tennis, but very simple games.”
Although this game is no longer popular among the young generation in Japan, it is used as a decorative New Year’s item and often adorned with elaborate, handcrafted artwork.
The festival also draws attention to the Al-Tawalie area, which was once a prominent location in the Arabian Peninsula.
Trade caravans once flocked to it from all directions, making it a hub for commercial and cultural exchange. This traditional activity is now revived through Souq Al-Mawsim at Diriyah Season.
