Arab × Japan Cultural Exchange for Career Women Event Report — When Hearts Connect, Borders Fade

Do Borders Matter for Women Striving for Career Growth?
What Values Do Arab and Japanese Women Share?
What Kind of Mindset Matters in the Years Ahead?

※日本語版　Japanese version

 

Hello everyone,
My name is Komina Obara.

On Saturday, January 24, 2026, under clear winter skies, we were finally able to hold an event we had long hoped to realize:
a cultural exchange where Arab and Japanese career women could share their values and perspectives.
(The following day, the weather turned into a heavy snowstorm.)

Event Overview
This gathering was not designed as a lecture or seminar, but as a calm, interactive space centered on dialogue and mutual listening.

For more details, please see here.
https://www.ankh-jp.com/lesson/11292/

 

What values they hold most important

Through free discussion and simple workshop-style activities, we enjoyed relaxed and lively conversations rather than formal presentations.

While sharing a halal-friendly Turkish lunch, several themes were introduced.
Many of the responses, interestingly, overlapped across cultures. Here are two simple examples:

“What inspires you most in your work or learning?”
– A short tea break
– Time away from smartphones
– Prayer
– Mindfulness practices

“Please write a word or draw an image that represents beauty, peace, or harmony in your culture.”
– Compassion
– Freedom of expression
– Sincerity
– Respect
– Mt. Fuji
– Drawings of the Tree of Life

 

Shared Sensibilities Across Cultures

It is often said that Arab and Japanese cultures share a similar balance: expressing individuality while remaining mindful of the broader social context.

Of course, individual differences always exist, but I personally feel that both Arab and Japanese women tend to build their careers while keeping the “whole picture” in mind.
There is also a shared sensitivity to what is sometimes called emotional labor—the stress that comes from maintaining harmony and relationships, not just performing mental or physical work.

Perhaps because of this, I seemed to understand one another naturally when discussing the importance of rest not only for the body, but also for the mind—through reflection, mindfulness, and inner awareness.

 

Creating a Safe and Relaxed Space

From the planning stage, one major challenge was how to help participants clearly express their thoughts, and how to support communication across language barriers.

For that reason, we intentionally kept the group small.
Although the final number was even smaller than planned, I believe the event stayed true to its purpose.

One key factor was the preparation of background materials in both English and Japanese, helping participants easily visualize and understand the theme of the event.

Another important element was the shared meal.
Even though it was a late lunch, enjoying delicious halal Turkish cuisine together helped everyone relax and feel psychologically safe.
Smiles, shared senses, and gentle support for one another emerged naturally.
After all, smiles and the five senses are truly universal.

The feedback I received from participants included comments such as:

“It was a very meaningful experience to connect with people from different cultures.”
“Beyond the Korean wave, I became interested in learning about other countries as well, and now I’d like to visit many different places.”
“The atmosphere was very relaxed and easy to talk in, and I had a really enjoyable time.”

Thank you so much as well for sharing such a wonderful time with me!
For our next step, I hope to explore similar events with a beauty-focused theme as well.

 

With Gratitude

I would like to express my sincere thanks to all who joined us, as well as to everyone who supported the event behind the scenes.
Special thanks go to MEYHANE, the Turkish restaurant, for their flexibility, warm hospitality, and wonderful food that helped create such a welcoming atmosphere.

I look forward to continuing my exploration of Arab culture.
And to my dear Arab friend Eman-chan, who always supports me—
Shukran jazeelan! (Thank you very much.)

If you are interested in future events, please feel free to contact me.

For updates and daily activities, you can also follow us here:

Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/gorgeous_makeover_joshikai/

Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/sapporo.hairsalon.oasisankh

I look forward to meeting you again at another opportunity.