Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation (MBRF) has announced the details of three books being written by Emirati writers after their visit to Japan last April under the Writers Exchange category of MBRFs Dubai International Program for Writing, which aims to encourage Arab talents to showcase their creative efforts in the local and global community.

In their books, the writers Mohsin Suleiman, Alhonof Mohammed and Talal Salem present in intricate details the culture, history and social life of Japan based on their experiences during their three-week stay in that country.

His Excellency Jamal bin Huweireb, Managing Director of MBRF, said: The Emirati writers have a clear idea about the final form of their literary works which summarise their experiences of life in Japan. They have dealt with topics that highlight the cultural ethics of the Japanese people, their work-life balance as well as their poetry and theatre.

Describing the details of her work, writer Alhonof Mohammed said her book is divided into three chapters with the first chapter dealing with ethics and positive behaviours displayed by the Japanese people such as their value for time, and their commitment to patience and honesty. The book has also identified similarities between the UAE and Japan in terms of peoples interests in poetry, traditional dress and national identity. The second chapter discusses the relationship of poetry in all aspects of life such as those describing temples, the spring season, religion and theatre. The third chapter highlights the era of Emperor Meiji and how he transformed Japan from an isolated country to one of the biggest industrial nations in the world.

Author Talal Salem said he has begun work on dividing the chapters of his book according to various topics such as the balance of work and life. The book will also look at the Samurai culture and the concept of Bushido based on the doctrine of Zen, which has become a way of life for generations in spite of the challenges of modernity.

Author Mohsin Suleiman said through his book he aims to convey the Japanese theatrical experience to the outside world, especially since literature on Japanese theatre are rare compared to those related to other global theatres. I will describe the history of the Japanese theatre and its most prominent forms such as Kabuki, Kyogen and Aornacco. The book will contribute to Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundations efforts to spread knowledge through the Writers Exchange category in which I had the opportunity to participate.

Through the Writers Exchange category, the Dubai International Program for Writing seeks to raise the level of literary capabilities of young Emirati and Arab writers, and enrich the cultural movement in UAE and the Arab world. It also showcases the experiences of global writers in the UAE to strengthen the cultural exchange between the UAE and the world and spread knowledge about civilisations and cultures of different peoples.