Salma in Japan
Salma in Japan is a five-episode series featuring Salma Zahore, where two rich cultures, Arab identity and the spirit of Japan, come together in a seamless fusion. Each week unveils a new city, associated with an emblematic Arabic song from a distinct era, tracing the evolution of the region’s music from the 1960s to the vibrant 2000s. Through this artistic journey, the series becomes a celebration of cultural harmony, identity and the universal power of music.
Tokyo
The adventure begins in Tokyo, Japan’s vibrant capital, where tradition meets modernity in dazzling form. Here, under the neon lights, Salma dances to Aziza, a masterpiece by Mohamed Abd El Wahab, the legendary Egyptian singer, actor and composer whose influence shaped twentieth-century Arabic music. Dancing to this timeless melody, Salma bridges generations and continents, mixing culture and queerness.
Credits
Artistic Director:
Hadi Moussally
Director of Photography & Editing:
Olivier Pagny
Music:
Aziza – Mohamed Abd El Wahab
Photos:
Olivier Pagny & Hadi Moussally
Production:
h7o7Studio
Starring:
Salma Zahore
Thanks:
Arthur Debsi, Jean Privé, Maiko Asami (WAIFU), Sho Akita (Normal Screen)
If you are interested in purchasing these prints, visit our shop
Ryokan
In the second episode of Salma in Japan, Salma Zahore continues her adventure in a traditional Ryokan, where reality and surrealism blend with the iconic song Do You Love Me? by the Bendaly Family from Tripoli, Lebanon. This renowned family band gained widespread fame in the 1970s for their unique fusion of Arabic and Western musical styles. Known for their catchy tunes and heartfelt performances, the Bendaly Family became a cultural phenomenon, bridging diverse musical traditions and leaving a lasting impact on the music scene in Lebanon and beyond.
Credits
Starring:
Salma Zahore
Thanks:
Arthur Debsi, Jean Privé, Maiko Asami (WAIFU), Sho Akita (Normal Screen)
Artistic Director:
Hadi Moussally
Director of Photography & Editing:
Olivier Pagny
Music:
Do you love me – The Bendaly Family
Photos:
Olivier Pagny & Hadi Moussally
Production:
h7o7Studio
If you are interested in purchasing these prints, visit our shop
Kyoto
In the third episode of Salma in Japan, Salma Zahore continues her exciting journey across Japan, arriving in Kyoto, a city known for its beautiful temples, peaceful Zen gardens, and rich cultural history. This episode also features the song “Ya Sababeen El Shay” (يا صبابين الشاي), first performed by the iconic Taroub (طروب) in 1973 and later brought back to life in 1997 by Aline Khalaf (ألين خلف), a popular Lebanese singer who made her mark in the 90s.
Credits
Artistic Director:
Hadi Moussally
Director of Photography & Editing:
Olivier Pagny
Music:
Aline Khalaf – Ya sababeen el shay
Photos:
Olivier Pagny & Hadi Moussally
Production:
h7o7Studio
Starring:
Salma Zahore
Thanks:
Arthur Debsi, Jean Privé, Maiko Asami (WAIFU), Sho Akita (Normal Screen)
If you are interested in purchasing these prints, visit our shop
Hakone
In the fourth episode of Salma in Japan, Salma Zahore takes us on a melancholic journey to Hakone, a serene town known for its natural beauty and traditional hot springs, or onsen.
Sherine’s Egyptian song Gharh Tani (جرح تاني) adds to the emotional tone of the episode. Sherine’s soulful voice fills the air, crying out the pain of another heartbreak while affirming her strength to overcome it. The heartbreaking lyrics, جرح تاني translated as “another wound”, create a poetic juxtaposition with the peaceful setting, amplifying Salma’s reflective moments amid the ethereal beauty of Hakone.
Credits
Artistic Director:
Hadi Moussally
Director of Photography & Editing:
Olivier Pagny
Music:
Garh Tani – Sherine
Photos:
Olivier Pagny & Hadi Moussally
Production:
h7o7Studio
Starring:
Salma Zahore
Thanks:
Arthur Debsi, Jean Privé, Maiko Asami (WAIFU), Sho Akita (Normal Screen)
If you are interested in purchasing these prints, visit our shop
Osaka
Last stop: OSAKA – In the Final Episode of Salma in Japan, Salma Zahore concludes her journey in the vibrant and eclectic city of Osaka, a place where tradition and modernity intertwine seamlessly. Known for its bustling streets, neon-lit districts, and famously warm-hearted locals, Osaka exudes a lively and welcoming vibe.
As her adventure comes to a close, the episode takes an unexpected yet powerful turn with Ruby’s song Enta Aref Leih (أنت عارف ليه). This track, which once sparked controversy for its bold portrayal of women’s liberation, unexpectedly resonated with queer communities, becoming a symbol of affirmation and self-expression. Ruby’s rise as a queer icon perhaps without even realizing, it adds a layer of complexity to her work, making her an emblem of empowerment for many.
With Osaka’s spirited energy as the backdrop and Enta Aref Leih as the soundtrack, Salma’s journey ends on a note of defiance, celebration, and reflection—perfectly encapsulating the transformative power of travel and music.
Credits
Artistic Director:
Hadi Moussally
Director of Photography & Editing:
Olivier Pagny
Music:
Enta aref leih – Ruby
Photos:
Olivier Pagny & Hadi Moussally
Production:
h7o7Studio
Starring:
Salma Zahore
Thanks:
Arthur Debsi, Jean Privé, Maiko Asami (WAIFU), Sho Akita (Normal Screen)
If you are interested in purchasing these prints, visit our shop