Tokyo connects cultures: “Old Tokyo Meets New” event in Abu Dhabi marks a new era in tourism promotion in the Middle East

Posted on November 1, 2025

Tokyo has taken a bold step to boost its international tourism efforts by showcasing its distinct cultural identity in Abu Dhabi. This was Tokyo’s first tourism and cultural promotion event in the Middle East. The Tokyo Convention and Visitors Bureau (TCVB) and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) collaborated to organize the event, which was called “Old Tokyo Meets New – Come and Discover the Culture of Tokyo.” The event served as a vital link between the expanding tourism industry in the Middle East, especially in Abu Dhabi, a city known for its love of Japanese popular culture, and the rich cultural fabric of Tokyo.

The event’s theme, “Old Meets New,” highlighted Tokyo’s ability to combine traditional arts with modern innovations, highlighting the variety of experiences the city offers tourists. This project is in line with TCVB’s goal of promoting Tokyo as a place where classic customs blend with contemporary design to create a welcoming environment for tourists from all over the world.

Event: Cultural and popular cultural exhibition

The ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including His Excellency Mohammed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, and His Excellency Yuriko Koike, Governor of Tokyo. The meeting was also attended by His Excellency Shehab Ahmed Al Fahim, UAE Ambassador to Japan, and His Excellency Ken Okaniwa, Japanese Ambassador to the UAE. The presence of these distinguished officials highlighted the importance of this cultural exchange and set the tone for an engaging exploration of Tokyo’s multifaceted appeal.

It takes place in Abu Dhabi, a city where Japanese popular culture, especially the beloved manga series, is widespread Captain Tsubasa (known locally as Captain MajidImmensely popular, the event provided the perfect platform to explore Tokyo’s influence on traditional and modern world culture. It was a celebration of how the city continues to evolve while remaining deeply rooted in its heritage. Visitors are invited to experience Tokyo’s rich cultural heritage through a combination of time-honored traditions and pop culture phenomena that have captivated audiences around the world.

Bridging tradition and modernity

At the heart of the event was the theme “Old Meets New,” which sought to showcase Tokyo’s ability to balance its historical significance with its forward-thinking spirit. The city’s deep connection to traditional arts, such as calligraphy, tea ceremonies and flower arranging, is showcased alongside its modern creative expressions in manga, anime and technology. This dual approach allowed attendees to experience the many facets of Tokyo’s cultural scene, from its ancient rituals to its cutting-edge innovations.

One of the highlights of the events was a series of traditional performances and interactive displays. Visitors had the opportunity to participate in a tea ceremony, where the art of preparing and serving tea is taught in a precise and calm manner. At the same time, they were introduced to Japanese calligraphy, where skilled practitioners showed how to use brush strokes to create beautiful, flowing characters. These traditional experiences highlighted the timeless appeal of Japanese culture and provided an authentic glimpse into the world of Tokyo.

The fusion of tradition with modernity is further emphasized by the presence of popular culture icons. One of these notable figures was Yuichi Takahashi, the creator of Captain Tsubasa. Takahashi took center stage in the live drawing and dialogue session, captivating the audience as he drew scenes from the popular manga series. His discussion of how Tokyo’s landscape and daily life impacts the world Captain Tsubasa It allowed attendees to connect the fictional world of manga to the real streets and vibrant culture of Tokyo. The session was particularly beneficial to the aspiring manga artists in the audience, who were keen to learn about the creative process behind one of Japan’s most influential cultural exports.

Tokyo’s cultural invitation to the Middle East

The event marked an important step in Tokyo’s ongoing efforts to engage with the Middle East, a region that has become an increasingly important market for global tourism. The Middle East, especially the United Arab Emirates, is witnessing rapid growth in the field of travel, and the tourism authorities in Tokyo are keen to benefit from this growing audience. By showcasing the cultural depth of Tokyo in Abu Dhabi, the city positions itself as a prime destination for travelers seeking traditional beauty and modern excitement.

Tokyo’s cultural dynamism is represented not only by traditional art forms, but also by the spread of the city’s cosmopolitan popular culture. The success of Japanese manga, anime and video games in the Middle East has played an important role in raising awareness of Tokyo as a center for entertainment and creativity innovation. The event highlighted how Tokyo is at the forefront of this global cultural wave while also remaining grounded in its history and traditions.

Tokyo’s growing appeal for Middle Eastern travelers

For travelers from the Middle East, the event conveyed an important message: Tokyo is a city where past and future coexist harmoniously, offering diverse experiences for all types of visitors. Whether one is interested in exploring Tokyo’s ancient temples, visiting peaceful parks, or experiencing the bustling shopping districts, there is something for everyone. Meanwhile, Tokyo’s vibrant pop culture scene, from the latest anime trends to the latest fashion and technology, continues to attract international interest, especially from younger generations in the Middle East.

Furthermore, the event indicated that more targeted promotions and travel offers may soon appear for visitors to the Middle East. As links between the UAE and Japan grow, there may be an increase in tourism infrastructure, such as more direct flights, as well as tailor-made tours that combine the best of both worlds: Tokyo’s historical landmarks and its modern wonders.

Strengthening relations: Tokyo’s future plans in the Middle East

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the Tokyo Convention and Visitors Bureau have expressed their commitment to continuing their promotional efforts in the Middle East. The event in Abu Dhabi is just the beginning of a larger strategy to raise awareness of Tokyo as a leading travel destination. Through its focus on cultural and grassroots exchange, Tokyo is positioned to build stronger ties with the Middle East, which is seen as one of the most promising regions for future travel growth.

In addition to tourism, cultural exchange programs, educational opportunities, and business cooperation between Tokyo and the Middle East may increase in the coming years. By continuing to bridge cultural gaps and create meaningful connections through events like these, Tokyo aims to establish itself not only as a tourist destination but also as a city of global influence and cultural significance.

A new era for Tokyo’s global reach

The “Old Tokyo Meets New Tokyo” event in Abu Dhabi was an invitation to discover the spirit of Tokyo and not just a tourism promotion. Tokyo has attracted the attention of a new audience in the Middle East by showcasing the city’s distinctive blend of historical customs and contemporary developments. Tokyo is a city that promises to be an unforgettable experience for tourists looking for a place that offers cultural depth and modern excitement. Future visitors can expect even more exciting opportunities to experience the best of both worlds – old and new – in one vibrant city as Tokyo continues to deepen its ties with the Middle East.