2016 Culture relations

13th SJAHI Skill Contest

　The 13th Skill Contest took place at Saudi Japan Automobile High Institute (SJAHI) on February 17th, 2016. More than 250 Saudi young students competed their technical automobile maintenance skills.

　Mr. Hatan Nadrah, Assistant Education Manager of SJAHI and Mr. Mikihito Murakami, Senior Coordinator of Automobile Division of Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) deliverd opening speech for the contest.

　At the award ceremony after the contest, Mr. Salim Asmari, Director of SJAHI and Mr. Yamaguchi, Consul-General of Japan delivered a speech for students. In this speech, he mentioned that "SJAHI is not only one of the most important sources of national skillful workmen for the automibiles industry in the Kingdom, but has become a model and sample of the technical and vocational training institutes in the Kingdom".


Speech from Mr. Yamaguchi (Photo courtesy: SJAHI)	Award Ceremony (Photo courtesy: SJAHI)	Commemorative Photograph (Photo courtesy: SJAHI)

ACGC Film Festival 2016

　On February 25, 2016, 9th 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 outset of ceremony, H.E. Mr. Dharmakirty Syailendra Putra, Consul-General of Indonesia, delivered a kick-off speech as a coordinator of ACGC this year, then the festival's logo was unveiled in the presence of Asian Consuls-General. After the opening ceremony, H.E. Mr. Matahiro Yamaguchi, Consul-General of Japan made a welcome speech and a feature film "ALWAYS Sunset on Third Street" was screened.

　Total number of 288 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 food prepared by chef of Mr. Yamaguchi.


The unveiling ceremony	A welcome speech from Mr.Yamaguchi	Participants in the venue

ACGC Asian Food Festival 2016

　The Asian Food Festival 2016 was held in the evening of March 11 at the residence of the Consul-General of Indonesia as a finale of the 9th Asian Film Festival.
The 13 Asian Consulates General opened their own stalls for offering their typical food.
As for the Japanese Consulate, visitors enjoyed to full extent of Japanese Sushi and grilled chicken, which was served with cooking demonstration by the Chef of Japanese Consul-General


Ribbon Cutting for Food Festival 2016	Participants waiting for the Japanese food	Participants enjoying Food Festival

Japanese Emperor's Birthday Reception

　In celebration of the 83rd birthday of His Majesty Emperor Akihito, Mr. Koji Naito, acting Consul General of Japan in Jeddah, hosted a reception on December 7th, 2016.　
Mr. Jamal Bakr Balkheour, Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Makkah Region Branch and Director General of Protocol Department as a main guest, Saudi dignitaries including princes and princesses, Saudi Businessmen, diplomates stationing in Jeddah and Japanese residents here attended the reception.
At the beginning, Mr. Naito mentioned in his speech. The significant visit of H.R.H Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz, Minister of Defense to Japan in 2016, which opened the door for greater cooperation between the two countries in a large number of areas, Deputy Crown Prince’s meeting with H.E. Mr. Shinzo Abe, Japanese Prime Minister who stated that Japan will cooperate with Saudi Arabia toward the realization of Vision 2030, such as investment in the manufacturing sector, development field of human resources, and holding the first ministerial meeting of the “Japan-Saudi Joint Group for Vision 2030” in October 2016 in Riyadh.
After his speech, all the attendants pleasantly enjoyed Japanese cuisine in a friendly atmosphere. It is worth mentioning that 24 Japanese companies which have been in action in the western part of Saudi Arabia opened the booth to display their publicity material in the framework of the Japanese Consulate General’s aim to support activities of Japanese companies.


Welcome to the invited guests	Mr. Naito delivering a speech	Cake cutting


Attendants at the reception	Attendants at the reception	The booth for publicity materials of Japanese companies