Photo: WAM
The famous Aichi Triennale 2025, one of Japan’s largest international art festivals, has officially opened its doors to the public. This year, the event is curated by Hoor Al Qasimi, President of the Sharjah Art Foundation. She is the first Arab woman to curate this major Japanese festival, which is held every three years.
The theme chosen for this year’s Triennale is “Yokoso Ahlan.” These two words come from Japanese and Arabic, both meaning “welcome.” Through this theme, the festival aims to show the power of cultural exchange, hospitality, and friendship between different societies.
What is the Aichi Triennale?
The Aichi Triennale began in 2010 and has grown into one of Asia’s most important contemporary art festivals. It takes place in the Aichi Prefecture of Japan, with exhibitions spread across museums, galleries, and public spaces. The festival runs for several months, bringing together artists from around the world.
The event includes:
- Contemporary art exhibitions
- Performances and live shows
- Installations in public spaces
- Film screenings and discussions
- Educational programmes and workshops
The Triennale gives artists from different countries a chance to share ideas, challenge social issues, and present new creative works.
Hoor Al Qasimi’s role
Hoor Al Qasimi, who leads the Sharjah Art Foundation in the UAE, is well-known for supporting artists and cultural projects around the world. By curating this edition, she has brought her deep experience in art and community projects to Japan.
She explained that the theme “Yokoso Ahlan” is not just about greetings. It is about building bridges, making people feel at home, and encouraging respect for cultural diversity.
Her vision is to show that art can cross borders and bring people together, no matter their language or background.
What visitors can expect
- The Triennale features over 80 artists from different parts of the world. Some highlights include:
- Large-scale art installations placed in outdoor public spaces so everyone can enjoy them.
- Interactive works that allow visitors to be part of the art itself.
- Collaborations between Japanese and international artists, reflecting the festival’s theme of welcome and cultural exchange.
- Performances and live art shows, which mix traditional and modern styles.
- Special exhibitions on Arab culture, highlighting the influence of Hoor Al Qasimi’s background.
- The festival also focuses on younger artists who are experimenting with new forms of art, including digital media, sound art, and performance.
- A bridge between Japan and the Arab world
The choice of Hoor Al Qasimi as curator has created a new cultural connection between Japan and the Arab world. Through this event, visitors in Japan can experience ideas and artworks influenced by Arab history, heritage, and storytelling.
This is important because art is not only about beauty. It is also about understanding different cultures, and this Triennale is making that possible.
Why the theme matters today
In today’s world, where conflicts and misunderstandings often separate communities, the words “Yokoso” and “Ahlan” remind people about the importance of kindness and hospitality.
- By combining Arabic and Japanese greetings, the festival sends a strong message:
- We are all connected as humans.
- Welcoming strangers can lead to friendship.
- Sharing art and culture builds peace.
Duration and venues
The Aichi Triennale 2025 will run from September 15 until December in several venues across Aichi Prefecture, including Nagoya and Toyota City.
Art lovers, students, and families are expected to visit the event in large numbers. The organisers also plan guided tours and talks so that visitors can understand the ideas behind the artworks.
A platform for dialogue
The festival also provides a stage for discussions on issues like climate change, migration, gender equality, and technology. Many artworks focus on these themes, showing how art can respond to real-world problems.
By curating the festival, Hoor Al Qasimi has given space to artists from underrepresented regions, especially from the Global South, so their voices can be heard on an international level.
The opening of the Aichi Triennale 2025 – Yokoso Ahlan marks an important cultural moment. With the leadership of Hoor Al Qasimi, the festival has become a bridge between Japan, the Arab world, and the rest of the globe.
It is not just an art event but also a celebration of welcome, respect, and shared human values. Visitors will leave with a deeper understanding of how art can unite people from different cultures.
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