ADAD is an NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) that was formed by a group of Arab and Japanese artists and students in 2001. Our aim is to promote cultural relations between Northeast Asia (Japan, Korea, and China) and the Arab Region through artistic and cultural events.

Over the past 6 years ADAD's activities expanded to cover the fields of film, music, calligraphy, modern art, political cartoons, and traditional crafts. Until now all events were held in Japan and several Arab countries, but the year 2007 will hopefully witness our first activities in South Korea and China.

For the coming period we have ambitious plans for organizing events various cultural and artistic fields, and would welcome suggestions for future projects.

Members of ADAD's Committee:

Najib El-Khash (Syria)
Journalist.

Shibuya Reiko (Japan)
Human Resources Specialist.

Mouna Karray (Tunisia)
Photographer

Suleiman Ameta (Lebanon)
Computer Programmer

Yakuwa Mizuko (Japan)
Painter / Sculptor

Okazaki Hiroki (Japan)
Special Research Staff, Embassy of Japan, Damascus

Below are some examples of the institutes/projects with which ADAD has had a working relationship:
The Japan Foundation <www.jpf.go.jp/e/index.html> (Arab Film Festival, Academic Seminars, Exchange of Books for Children, Cultural Exchange Delegations)
Pia <www.pia.co.jp> (participation in organising film festivals)
Nagoya International Center <www.nic-nagoya.or.jp> (Syria Festival - 2004)
Aichi Expo 2005 <www.expo2005.or.jp/en/> (Saudi Pavillion, Tunisian Pavillion, Friendship Film Festival)
Yamagata International Documentary Film Festival <http://www.yidff.jp/home-e.html>
Owari Asahi City Hall (Aichi Prefecture) <www.city.owariasahi.lg.jp/english/index.html>
IKA (International Kids Art Association)