Japan will help Saudi Arabia set up cinemas and a 'world-class' orchestra

Just in the past few months, public concerts have returned to Saudi Arabia for the first time in years. Now, the kingdom is looking to establish an orchestra and cinemas with the help of Japan. 

On Tuesday, Norihio Okuda, Japan's ambassador to Saudi Arabia said the kingdom is discussing the possibility of setting-up a "world-class orchestra" and a facility for cinemas in the kingdom, according to Arab News. 

The news comes following a performance in Riyadh by a Japanese classical orchestra last month. 

Not only did the concert feature a mixed-gender orchestra and a female lead singer, but it was also attended by a mixed-gender audience. It was the first-ever Japanese full orchestra concert in the kingdom, and Riyadh's third public concert this year after a 25-year hiatus.

As part of the ambitious Vision 2030 plan championed by Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia is working closely with Japan to increase cultural opportunities. 

In addition to helping Riyadh establish the orchestra, Okuda said Japan is working with local authorities to construct a new cultural facility, "which is supposed to house cinemas, [an] opera house and concert halls." 

There are currently no cinemas in Saudi Arabia, as they have been banned for many years. However, top officials in the kingdom have said this will change.

In January, Amr al-Madani, head of the government's General Authority for Entertainment, said cinemas would open as soon as this year.

But these rapid changes have faced backlash from some.

Saudi Arabia's Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulaziz Al al-Sheikh said: "I hope those in charge of the Entertainment Authority are guided to turn it from bad to good and not to open doors to evil," in January.

"There is nothing good in song parties, for entertainment day and night and opening of movie houses at all times is an invitation to mixing of sexes," he said.

Enhancing the kingdom's entertainment opportunities is a major goal of the Riyadh's Vision 2030 plan. 

In addition to the major concerts opening in Jeddah and Riyadh, numerous other events have been launched for the first time.

Saudi Arabia hosted its first-ever Comic-Con in February. In March, the first-ever YouTube FanFest was held. And last year, the U.S. theme park company Six Flags announced that it would be opening in the kingdom in the near future.

And many Saudis are enthusiastic about the future. 

"For the first time, we have this leader [Prince Mohammed bin Salman] who is 30 years old, who speaks my tone and my language, and we are very optimistic about it and we want to be part of the change," film director Mahmoud Sabbagh told StepFeed last year.