It doesn’t take too much for two countries to have disputes with one another. Sometimes all it takes is for either country to have key cultural differences. These misunderstandings often escalate into something more serious, making it a very difficult task to help either country achieve mutual understanding. However, never underestimate an individual’s desire to help foster international relations – as Patokh Chodiev was able to achieve what many people thought to be impossible.
Inspired by the mystical and welcoming culture of Japan, Patokh Chodiev dedicated himself to exposing both the countries of Japan and Russia to each other’s culture in the hope that would improve international relations and harmony. The result is the International Chodiev Foundation, an organisation dedicated to fostering Japan and Russia’s relationship.
Using festivals to see through cultural differences
While cultural diversity is often the root of many different conflicts, the understanding respect of these cultures is also one of the keys to harmony. It’s with this irony in mind that the ICF went to work toward helping the Japanese and Russians see what either country has to offer. One of their biggest successes happens to be J-fest, which is a festival held in Moscow and celebrates Japanese culture. Those who want to learn all about Japan and their technological advances will find plenty to enjoy, as it’s filled to the brim with workshops. J-fest is also a celebration of Japan’s musical talent, so there are plenty of concerts to enjoy.
On the other hand, in Japan, the Exchange Festival has experienced perhaps one of the biggest successes in ICF’s history. It’s a festival that’s all about Russian theatre, among other things, and it’s a festival that lasts eight months. As if that wasn’t enough, the festival itself occurs in forty of Japan’s provinces, which is almost the entire country. With both J-fest and the Exchange paving the way for cultural appreciation, things are indeed looking bright.
The Kubota Collection
While the festivals are certainly enough to make waves, that isn’t the only thing that the ICF is known for. They sponsor the tours of the Kubota Collection, a famous set of kimonos dyed in a special process known as Itchiku Tsujigahana. The brainchild of Itchiku Kubota, it’s a collection with kimonos as beautiful as the story of their inception. It’s no stretch to say that the Kubota Collection has achieved praise not just in Russia but the rest of the world as well. Tourists come from all around the world to see it, which improves Japan’s relationship with its neighbours.
To conclude, the efforts of Patokh Chodiev have undoubtedly made an impact not just on the way Russia and Japan view each other, but Japan’s relationship with the rest of the world thanks to the Kubota Collection. Through his efforts and that of the International Chodiev Foundation, cultural appreciation is the goal, and they continue to make strides, which only serves to improve global harmony. It goes to show how one individual’s efforts can make an impact on the world.
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