Deep cultural similarities between Iran and Japan

Pars Today – Japan’s ambassador to Iran, underscoring the two countries’ broad cultural commonalities, expressed admiration for Tehran’s modernity and the grandeur of Isfahan, and compared Iranian hospitality with Japanese traditions.

Iran and Japan—two ancient Eastern civilizations—despite their geographical distance, share deep cultural similarities in customs, traditions, and their transition from tradition to modernity. Tamaki Tsukada, Japan’s ambassador to Iran, highlighted these parallels and described the future of cultural relations between the two countries as promising.

Shared civilizational traits: From hospitality to modernization

Tsukada cited everyday customs, respect for the elderly, and hospitality as some of the most significant similarities between Iran and Japan, comparing them to the Iranian practice of ta’arof. The Japanese diplomat said that over the past 100 to 150 years, both countries have faced similar challenges in balancing East and West, as well as tradition and modernity. He likened Iranian celebrations such as Nowruz and Yalda to comparable Japanese rituals, emphasizing that these shared traits form the foundation of social behavior and diplomacy in both societies.

Iranian youth’s interest in Japanese culture

The Japanese ambassador expressed satisfaction with the strong interest shown by Iranian youth in Japanese animation and language, noting that the Japanese Embassy plays a facilitating role by organizing events such as animated film screenings. He invited Iranian students to study at prestigious Japanese art schools and recalled Japan’s open-door policy toward international students.

The status of Iranian culture in Japan

In Japan, universities such as Tokyo and Osaka offer Persian-language programs, and many scholars are interested in ancient Iranian civilization. Japanese diplomats also study Persian. Tsukada described the Persian language as difficult but fascinating and voiced hope that public interest in learning Persian in Japan would continue to grow.

Cultural exchanges and joint cultural weeks

The Iran–Japan Cultural Week has been held for 17 consecutive years, with this year’s edition focusing on contemporary Japanese cinema. Exhibitions such as “Eternal Iran” in 2024 and the earlier “The Splendor of Iran” demonstrate the influence of Iranian culture in Japan. The Japanese ambassador also announced plans for a major event marking the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 2029.

Personal experiences: From Iranian cuisine to travel impressions

Tsukada said he had grown fond of Iranian dishes such as khoresh-e bademjan and kashk-e bademjan, and described jighor-baghor from Zanjan as delicious. Tehran impressed him with its modernity and vibrancy, while Isfahan inspired him with its precise and delicate architecture. Visiting the Japanese cemetery in Rey and returning to Iran during the twelve-day war were among his most memorable experiences.

Overall, the conversation with Japan’s ambassador to Iran paints a picture of a deep and enduring bond that transcends geographical distance—one rooted in shared ethical values, mutual respect for civilizational heritage, and the growing interest of younger generations. Through cultural diplomacy and initiatives such as cultural weeks and educational exchanges, the horizon of cooperation between Iran and Japan appears broader than ever.