Saitama City erupted into a colorful display of culture on March 23, 2025, as the Kurdish New Year festival, known as Newroz, took center stage, attracting around 1,000 revelers to celebrate this significant event. The festival, held at Akigase Park in the Sakura Ward of the city, saw participation from both Kurds and local Japanese citizens, reflecting a blend of cultures.
Newroz, which translates to "New Day" in Kurdish, is the most revered holiday for the Kurdish people, marking the arrival of spring and symbolizing hope and renewal. The atmosphere was electric, with participants dressed in vibrant traditional costumes dancing joyously to live music. The festivities included a variety of food stalls offering delicious offerings such as kebabs, fostering an environment of culinary and cultural exchange.
However, the celebration was not without incident. Members of the local city council who have been vocal in their criticism of the Kurdish community disrupted the event at one point, leading to a temporary uproar. City council leaders had urged for the cancellation of the festival, claiming it could escalate social tensions. When they entered the venue, they clashed with police officers and event organizers, sparking heated arguments and drawing attention away from the celebrations.
As reported by local sources, this clash reflected broader societal tensions regarding the Kurdish community, which is often referred to as the largest stateless ethnic group in the world. In Japan, the Kurdish population is estimated to be between 2,000 and 3,000 individuals. The criticisms levied by council members prompted concerted responses from those attending the festival, including protests against the rising tide of hate speech directed at the Kurds.
To address potential incidents of defamation or harm, the festival organizers implemented several precautionary measures. They enlisted the help of five lawyers, who patrolled the venue to preemptively intervene in any incidents of hate or discrimination. The legal team was on hand to support community members and ensure a safe environment for all attendees. Signs were posted throughout the area, alerting attendees to the prohibition of photography that could be used for defamation or harassment.
This year’s festival also highlighted an ongoing effort to counter misinformation surging against the Kurdish population, with community leaders emphasizing the importance of shared understanding and coexistence. A co-organizer of the Newroz event stated, "By holding such festivals, we hope to deepen mutual understanding between Kurds and Japanese people and symbolize the possibility of living together."
The Kurdish community has faced numerous challenges, including instances of discrimination and hate attacks, which have, unfortunately, been reported in the past. The presence of lawyers was particularly significant given that previous events have been targeted by individuals making derogatory remarks, as indicated by community activists. There were calls for the removal of those known for bigotry, demonstrating a collective stance against discrimination. Citizens engaged in robust debates with critics on-site, passionately protesting against hate speech and standing up for their rights.
Despite the tensions, the celebration continued, with attendees expressing that the festive spirit and communal bonds outweighed the negative encounters. Many participants reflected positively on the event, with one stating, "It's so much fun to come together like this and celebrate our roots with so many people. It gives me hope."
Newroz not only serves as a pivotal cultural gathering for Kurds but also acts as a platform for dialogue and mutual respect between different ethnic and cultural groups in Japan. Festivals like this are essential in promoting awareness and understanding amid rising challenges against diverse communities.
The event concluded with heartfelt expressions of unity and joy, despite the earlier conflicts overshadowing portions of the festivities. The Kurdish community, along with supportive citizens, left the celebration determined to continue advocating for acceptance, understanding, and coexistence in the future.
