TOKYO: Saudi Ambassador Dr. Ghazi Faisal Binzaqr turned the Tokyo embassy into a lively celebration of the Kingdom’s culture for “Saudi Coffee Day,” welcoming Japanese guests to experience the warmth and flavor of the country’s coffee and dates.
“Today, the embassy welcomed a distinguished gathering. The event demonstrated that traditions such as coffee serve as important instruments for dialogue and fostering international friendship,” the ambassador said in his welcoming remarks.
In an interview with Arab News Japan, Binzaqr praised the Saudi embassy staff for their hospitality, noting that they greeted guests with smiles, poured fragrant Saudi coffee, offered sweet dates, and transported everyone into the heart of Saudi Arabia in a traditional tent.
“By sharing core elements of our heritage, we observed enthusiastic responses from guests who experienced authentic Saudi generosity and hospitality,” Binzagr said.
“This event underscores the role of diplomacy in promoting rapprochement and mutual understanding at the grassroots level,” he said. “We hope this gathering will inspire future embassy initiatives.”
A traditional Saudi tent was set up in the embassy’s courtyard, giving guests a break from the busy city life of Tokyo. Inside, visitors sipped coffee and enjoyed dates, expressing gratitude for the chance to experience Saudi culture.
A Japanese guest shared with Arab News Japan that while Saudi Arabia was often viewed as a petroleum powerhouse, this event unveiled the deeper cultural story behind Saudi coffee and dates.
The distinctive, refreshing taste of the coffee, served unsweetened, left a lasting impression and showcased flavors that could stand alongside those of major coffee chains, she said. The gathering highlighted how Saudi coffee and dates could serve as a bridge, deepening the bonds between the two nations.
“The Saudi representative served the coffee in traditional attire, combined with a warm greeting, I felt like receiving a genuine gift. I thank the embassy for the invitation,” she said.
AloJapan.com