Professor Riichi Miyake made the remarks while holding talks with the Director General of East Azarbaijan Department of Culture and Islamic Guidance Qassem Nazemi on Tuesday.
The Japanese academic member said that his own observations showed that the two nations’ interactions have been at a desired level, and that changes have been clearly obvious since 1970.
Given the fact that there are documents from 6th and 7th centuries, showing reciprocate exchanges between the two countries, when many Iranians traveled to Japan, Miyake noted that one of the important tools transited from Iran to Japan was music and its instruments, that are being preserved carefully.
The prominent art professor also pointed out to the position of certain Iranian figures in Japanese literature, saying that the literature of Japan speaks of many Iranians especially in books.
Evaluating joint artistic exhibitions as importance, he noted that cultural and historical characteristics of Tabriz in East Azerbaijan and its cultural sites can pave the ground for expansion of cultural and artistic exchanges between the two countries.
According to the Japanese professor, the initiation of cultural interactions from Tabriz given the city’s historical and cultural background would be of great importance.
For his part, the Iranian official said that Japan and Iran belong to the east world and both nations are parts of the ancient Silk Road; so, these factors can help develop mutual interactions and exchanges.
Nazemi went on to say that the Silk Road was not merely an economic route but it was utilized to promote numerous cultural interactions and exchanges, and that the impact of Japanese paintings and philosophy on Iran is obvious.
The Islamic Republic of Iran seeks to make use of cultural, scientific and social capacities of Asian countries; so, such a goal requires cultural communications, the official argued.
The eastern philosophy and culture do have fundamental differences with the Western culture, he said, adding that the differences are being reflected in all aspects of life in the East; so, when some people want to change the values and beliefs of the culture, the cultural system of the region is being disrupted.
He further referred to the historical background of Tabriz, saying that the city has played a key role in Iran’s culture, economy and policy, and that sociologists are of the opinion that Iran owes its modern developments to the historic and cultural city.
In the meeting, the Japanese and Iranian sides have decided to hold a joint session with artists and cultural figures of the East Azarbaijan province to discuss plans for holding exhibitions and seminars in order to expand cultural cooperation between the two nations.
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