2015 Culture relations

ACGC Film Festival 2015

　On March 28, 2015, 8th Asian Film Festival organized by ACGC (Asian Consuls-General Club) was inaugurated. The opening ceremony as well as the Japanese film show was held at Japanese Consul-General's Residence.

　At the opening ceremony, H.E. Mr. Matahiro Yamaguchi, Consul General of Japan, delivered a kick-off speech as a coordinator of ACGC, then the festival's logo was unveiled in the presence of Asian Consuls-General. After the opening ceremony, H.E. Mr. Matahiro Yamaguchi made a welcome speech and a feature film "ROBO-G" was screened.

　Total number of 206 participants of Saudi businessmen, former Saudi exchange students, Jeddah consular corps, journalists, university students and Japanese residents enjoyed the film. The participants also enjoyed delicious Japanese foods prepared by chef of the Japanese Consul-General.


The unveiling ceremony	Mr. Matahiro Yamaguchi delivering a speech	Participants in the venue

ACGC Asian Food Festival 2015

　The Asian Food Festival 2015 was held in the evening of March 13 at the Residence of the Consul-General of Indonesia as a finale of the 8th Asian Film Festival.
The 13 Asian Consulates General opened their own stalls for offering their typical food.
As for the Japanese Consulate, it served Japanese Sushi and grilled chicken, which the visitors enjoyed to full extent.


Ribbon Cutting for Food Festival 2015	Participants waiting for the Japanese food	Participants enjoying Food Festival

Orientation of study in Japan to Saudi Students

　The Japanese Consulate and SAJGA (Saudi Association of Japan Graduates & Associates) co-hosted an orientation at the Japanese Consulate on March 19, 2015 for the Saudi students who are going to study in Japan from April.

　In the orientation, SAJGA members, who had studied in Japan, explained about Japan in general and some of the specific topics such as personal belongings, Japanese life style, cultural difference and Japanese manner. The Japanese Consulate gave them a short lecture about useful Japanese phrases, and screened the Japanese Promotion Video, then Q and A session was held.

　After the orientation, Consul-General Mr. Matahiro Yamaguchi held a welcome dinner for the Saudi students and their family members. The board members of Japanese Association also attended. At the outset of the dinner, Mr. Yamaguchi made an encouraging speech for the students. While enjoying the Japanese food, they exchanged the information on Japan with members of SAJGA, Japanese Association and the Consulate.

　The second attempt by the Japanese Consulate and SAJGA to hold the useful orientation and the dinner was very much appreciated by the Saudi students.


Speech from Dr. Samarqandi, President of SAJGA	Explanation from SAJGA members	Q&A session


Speech from Mr. Yamaguchi	Thanking speech from Dr. Samarqandi	Saudi students with Japanese Association

Japanese Emperor's Birthday Reception

　In celebration of the 82nd birthday of H. M. Akihito, Emperor of Japan, Mr. Matahiro Yamaguchi, Consul-General of Japan in Jeddah, hosted a reception at his residence on December 9th, 2015.　

　H. E. Dr. Mohammed Al-Awlaki, Minister Plenipotentiary and Director-General of Diplomatic and Consular Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Makkah Al-Mukarramah Region), Consul-Generals in Jeddah, Saudi Businessmen, and Japanese residents here attended the reception.

　At the outset of the reception, national anthem of Japan and Saudi Arabia were performed by Japanese School students. Then Mr. Yamaguchi made a speech in front of the guests, touching on the anniversary of 60 years diplomatic relation between Japan and Saudi Arabia, exsiting scholarship and youth exchange program, technical cooperation, establishment of new joint ventures for non-petroleum field. He also stated that Japan is always ready to cooperate with Saudi Arabia in the demanded fields such as recyclable energy, railway project, water resource, and infrastructure development.

　After the speech, all the attendants pleasantly enjoyed Japanese cuisine that was favorably praised by guests in friendly atmosphere.

　Saudi local distributors of Japanese automobiles displayed latest Japanese car models in the venue to advertise the Japanese products, which greatly attracted the attendants.


Mr. Yamaguchi with Dr. Awlaki	National anthem performed by Japanese students	Mr. Yamaguchi delivering speech


Cake cutting	Attendants at the reception	Japanese automobile