Abu Dhabi, April 22 (IANS/WAM) The United Arab Emirates Thursday hosted a Japanese festival in an effort to help its citizens learn more about the traditions and culture of Japan.

The four-week Japanese Sakura Festival that began here Thursday will include cultural and artistic shows depicting modern life and traditions in Japan.

The event will help in boosting the social and cultural activities and enable residents of the capital city to get exposure to the habits, lifestyle and the cultural and social legacy of Japan, which would strengthen ties between the two governments, organisers said.

The Sakura Festival, which will end May 22, will have shows on Japanese martial arts, music, traditional marriages, traditional and modern dresses and several other events.

It will feature handicrafts such as traditional fans and paper lights, and architectural aspects such as Japanese houses, and even Japanese cuisine.