Interview with panelists at the Japan-Iran symposium in Tehran

Iran was under the control of Mongolian and Turkish people after the Sassanian Persia, which dominated the Plateau of Iran since the 3rd century, collapsed when it came under attack from Islamic forces in the mid 7th century. The Safavid Dynasty, which emerged as the dynasty unifying Iran for the first time in 850 years, adopted Shiite Muslim as the national religion and laid national foundation that leads to today's Iran. The advancement of sophisticated cultures culminated in intricate arts in textiles, ceramics and metalwork.

Outcome of the symposium

At a time lacking modern-day communications and transportation, silk textiles, produced in Iran (Persia), traveled across the seas and were handed from people to people, and eventually reached Japan, where the Japanese people recognized their value and beauty. I have mentioned this to the audience of this symposium as an example of solid proof on cultural exchange through goods between our two countries.

Even when our political and diplomatic relations are not smooth, like in today's world, history tells us of constant exchange of people for networking. Cultural exchange in the private sector continues without concerted efforts as if the two countries are naturally attracted to each other. It is important to build up steady exchange day after day, even if a very little at a time.

Possibility of cultural exchange

This time, I was reunited with an Iranian woman who, as a student, participated in a Japanese-language speech competition when I was serving as the ambassador in her country. She told me she now works for a Japanese company. She said she hopes to see more active cultural exchange between Japan and Iran. There is not enough of it happening, according to her. Considering the extended histories and wonderful cultures in the two countries, Japan and Iran have a great potential for closer cultural exchange.

Outcome of the symposium

The symposium heard a presentation by Kobei Kato, who has restored the techniques of lusterware, Iran's traditional ceramics, to be handed over to future generation. Not many Japanese people know about lusterware, and the presentation also let the people of Iran realize the existence of such a Japanese expert. The notion that there is a Japanese person who has dedicated numerous years for a tremendous cultural contribution, had a major impact. Iran is a country of great potential with abundant natural resources and excellent human resources. While China, South Korea and Germany are making active entry into the Iranian market, Japanese trading companies have also maintained their operation bases for many years. We should continue to hold these types of symposiums to build solid bilateral relationships based on mutual respect.

Lusterware is produced with intricate techniques, with various factors, including the ratio of metal components in paint, kiln temperature, moisture content of firewood and season, affecting the outcome. This difficulty has made me even more determined to perfect the craft.

Outlook through Lusterware

The important issue for me as an artist is to combine current relevance with my individuality to step up lusterware techniques. At the same time, I believe it is my role to network with Iranian ceramicists and encourage improvement of techniques.

I was very impressed to see how Iran Cultural Heritage, Handcrafts and Tourism Organization was providing comprehensive support to all forms of crafts including textiles, paintings and ceramics. It provides a very significant venue for various craft experts to network with people of other genres. Unfortunately, Japan does not have a venue like this. It is wonderful to see the Iranian government value handcrafts and extend official support.

Swing Corporation is a company that handles a comprehensive range of water-related projects, including the construction, operation, maintenance and management of water / sewage treatment facilities and the treatment of industrial / waste water from beverage manufacturing plants. More than 30 years ago, we supplied nine medium-scale plants to Iran. However, due to a change of political climate since then, we have not been able to work in the country in recent years. Unless Iran and Japan establish stable diplomatic and economic ties, it would be extremely difficult for companies like us to make a standalone move to deploy business operations there.

Women's empowerment and Iran

We have a low ratio of female workers, and plan to recruit more women for career-oriented positions. But things are not going as planned, as the number of women who go for science and engineering degrees is very limited in Japan. I was very envious to hear that engineering is one of more popular choices of study for women in Iran. I am the only female director of the company, but, having served in research departments, I have been fortunate enough to be shielded from gender discrimination. All I have had to do was to deliver results in work. Looking back, I have embraced a variety of tasks rather than knocking them back, whenever I was asked to do something. I have welcomed the offer of coming to Iran, thinking that this is an opportunity that should not be missed.

I have heard that Iran is, in essence, a pro-Japan nation. Local people try to communicate with me actively, and women seem very energetic and willing to get involved.

Cultural exchange with Iran has been maintained in the long course of bilateral relations regardless of changes in international situations and political conditions, thereby serving the role of complementing the two countries' diplomatic ties. In order to consolidate the foundation of collaborative ties between Japan and Iran, let us highlight the importance of cultural assistance, maintained under long-term outlook, and continue on with networking in the multilayered approach.

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