It’s often said that in order to gain respect, you must first give respect. Just as it applies to you and me, it also applies to entire countries as well. After all, mutual respect is one of the defining traits of harmony – and if the many countries of the world simply decided to respect their neighbours equally, we would be that much closer to achieving world peace. However, such a thing is easier said than done, as differences in culture can lead to squabbles and issues down the line.
With so many different factors making it difficult to achieve a mutual understanding, it makes it even more of a feat that Russia and Japan have been getting along surprisingly well. The secret to their success lies in the desire of certain individuals to promote harmony between the two countries. Specifically, the efforts of one Patokh Chodiev, whose willingness to help expose Japan’s beautiful culture to Russia has developed into something so much more.
Building the foundation
While Chodiev himself was an ambitious fellow who wanted to help the two countries get along, he wouldn’t be able to achieve his goals alone. It’s why he set up the Chodiev Foundation Board and did his part in making sure that the programs which improve relations between the two countries will always have a sponsor. For example, the foundation is responsible for sponsoring one of the biggest festivals in Japan – and it’s a festival that is all about Russian theatre. It’s also crucial to note that this specific festival lasts upward of eight months, which is a very long time as far as festivals go.
The most talented of Russian singers and performers help the Japanese understand and appreciate what the musical and artistic culture of Russia is all about. Russia is well known for their excellent performances, and thanks to the Exchange festival in Japan, most of the Japanese people know of it as well.
Covering every base
It isn’t enough that one of the biggest festivals of the year in Japan helps bridge the gap between the two cultures. After all, the pendulum swings both ways, and what the Russians get is known as J-fest. For those who happen to be interested in the technological aspects of modern Japanese culture, J-fest is an absolute dream. Whereas the Japanese are able to enjoy Russian musical performances, the foundation of J-fest is all about the technological prowess of the land of the rising sun. Those who visit will likely be overwhelmed by the sheer number of workshops and lectures available – and it can be a life-changing experience. For Russians interested in learning more about Japan, they need not look any further than J-fest.
To conclude, the ICF has been overwhelmingly successful in aiding these two powerful countries in getting along. Thanks to the effort of Patokh Chodiev and his foundation, both Japan as well as Russia are able to experience each other’s cultures in ways that many other countries could only dream about.
Image: Pixabay.com
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