We Are Tomodachi Japan and Russia Edition 2017

15/20

15and culture to people in Japan and leads to “Russia Year in Japan” and “Japan Year in Russia,” the two countries’ bilateral year of culture in 2018, featuring major culture, education, and sport events. Zakharova danced “Giselle” after the Russian Seasons opening ceremony in June 2017. “I was truly honored to perform for Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and the Japanese people.”Zakharova will perform in Japan again in September 2017 at the Trans-Siberian Art Festival, part of Russian Seasons. The festival, for which Zakharova’s husband, Vadim Repin, serves artistic director, was started in Novosibirsk, Russia four years ago. In the way that the Trans-Siberian Railway connects east and west, the festival seeks to become a bridge of friendship between people through art. “We started it in Russia and didn’t expect to have it in other countries so soon, so I am very pleased.” Zakharova will perform “Amore,” a modern ballet program consisting of three vignettes in different styles. “I’m so thrilled that I will be able to hear from Japanese audiences how they feel, as they will see a new me in this program, one I’ve never performed in Japan,” Zakharova says.For Zakharova, Japan is a totally different world. “I have a new impression every time I visit the country. This difference makes us more interested in each other, and as a result, we try to understand each other better. Russia and Japan have had strong ties in art for a long time. But now it’s officially recognized by the two countries that art and culture can bring people closer together. This has great significance, and I am very proud to be part of it.”Zakharova and her husband Repin, a world-renowned violinist, paid Prime Minister Shinzo Abe a courtesy call after the opening of Russian Seasons. Prime Minister Abe told Zakharova that he was deeply moved by her performance.Zakharova and her husband Repin, greet the audience at the Trans-Siberian Art Festival. The festival started in Novosibirsk, Russia and now is held in Japan and other countries, as well as in Russia.