Embassy's Highlights

The Third Japanese Language Speech Contest at the King Saud University in Riyadh

The Embassy of Japan and the King Saud University will jointly organize “The 3rd Japanese Language Speech Contest” at the auditorium of the University (Please see below for more details). The Contest will be a precious opportunity for the Japanese-learning students to show the result of their daily practices and efforts in front of audience. The Japanese community members in Riyadh are welcome and cordially invited to attend the event and touch the growing enthusiasm of the Japanese-learners in Saudi Arabia. We are sorry to inform you that female audience will not be allowed for admission to the contest because the auditorium is located on the male campus of King Saud University.

Date: Wednesday, 12th. December 2007
Time: 10:00 am (Please enter the auditorium before 9:50 am)
Venue: Main Auditorium, Building 7

※ For further information and inquiry, please do not hesitate to contact the Embassy Culturual Section ext 238.

Ambassador of Japan to Host Ramadan Iftar for Saudi Ex-students of Japan

The Ambassador of Japan to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, H.E. Mr. Shigeru NAKAMURA, invited on Sunday 7 Oct., 9 Saudi ex-students, who had completed their study in Japan. Among invitees, were two Saudi students from King Saud University, who have just returned back from Japan after the completion of their one year study-course, organized by Japanese Ministry of Education's scholarship program.

The Iftar invitation, is the second to be initiated by H.E. the Ambassador in two years that began last year.

Ambassador received the guests at his residence, where they have exchanged friendly talks, and called for widening and strengthening of Japanese Saudi relations in all fields.

In his speech, during the Iftar, H.E. Ambassador Nakamura first expressed his best wishes on Ramadan and his heartfelt happiness for meeting the Saudi friends, who studied in Japan. He also congratulated the two students of King Saud University on the successful completion of their study in Japan. Ambassador went on saying “this Iftar is one of the steps forward to strengthen relations, deepen understanding and expand cooperation between the two friendly countries.” He further added “one of the remarkable outcomes and mutual understanding between Japan and Saudi Arabia is symbolized by the visit of Crown Prince Sultan to Japan in April 2006, and the visit of former Prime Minister of Japan, Mr. Shinzo Abe to the Kingdom last April.”

Finally, Ambassador Nakamura concluded his speech saying “I hope that the Saudi ex-students would play an important role to further promote the bilateral relations between both friendly countries Japan and Saudi Arabia.”


Speech delivered by Ambassador of Japan	Saudi ex-students enjoying Japanese foods

The Graduation Ceremony for Mechatronics Training Course at the Development and Training Center

The Development and Training Center(D&T Center) in Riyadh held its graduation ceremony for Mechatronics Training Course on September 4th, 2007. Mr. Hiroshi Oka, Minitster of the Embassy of Japan, attended the ceremony together with Dr. Hamad Al-Ogla, Vice Governor for Education and Training of General Organization for Technical and Vocational Training. Dr. Hamad expressed Saudi’s gratitude to the technical cooperation extended by the Japanese Government in his speech and presented the certificate of appreciation to Mr. Ryuichi Tomizawa, Resident Representative of JICA office in Riyadh.

A JICA expert has been sent to the electric department of the D&T center since 2004 and developed training materials and transferred technology to the Saudi Counterparts. The cooperation covers implementation of other curriculums such as PLC(Programmable Logic Controller), Automatic Control, Driving Technology and Power Electronics.

Donation of a book authored by Japan’s Empress to the Ministry of Culture and Information

On July 11 2007, 25 copies of illustrative book authored by Her Majesty Empress of Japan Michiko were donated to the Ministry of Culture and Information. Mr. Hiroshi Oka, Deputy Chief of the Japanese Mission in Riyadh, visited Dr. Abudulaziz Al-Sebail, Deputy Minister of Culture and Information at his office and handed the copies over to him.

The book titled “My first mountain climbing” is based on Her Majesty’s personal memory during her Crown Princess days when she climbed a mountain by herself with her royal family. In her story, Her Majesty Michiko features a girl who overcomes her uneasiness about the first climbing ever in her life and gets to the top of a mountain with joy. The book is translated into many languages including Arabic since it was published in 1991. Last year, the Japan Foundation donated the Arabic versions to all the elementary schools in Musana’ Prefecture in Iraq as the Foundation promotes its cultural project for donating children’s books to Iraq.

The Saudi Ministry of Culture and Information will distribute the copies to the local institutions including the King Fahd National Library. The Embassy of Japan in Riyadh highly appreciates the cooperation of the Ministry in providing local people with an opportunity to know more about Japan.


“My First Mountain Climbing” by Her Majesty Empress of Japan Michiko	Minister Oka (left) and Deputy Minister Al-Sebail (right)

Reception in Commemoration of the 53rd Anniversary of the Establishment of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces

On June 11th, Mr. and Mrs. Ambassador Nakamura hosted a reception in commemoration of the 53rd anniversary of the establishment of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces at their residence.

More than 300 people attended the reception including Saudi high ranking officials, ambassadors and military officers as well. .

It was held for first time after Ministry of Defense, competent authority of Self-Defense Forces changed the status from agency to ministry and was a success.


Mr. & Mrs. Ambassador and Mr. Takuma at receiving line	Guests enjoying Japanese foods at garden

The fourth Skill Contest of the Saudi-Japanese Automobile High Institute(SJAHI) in Jeddah on 3rd of June

The Saudi-Japanese Automobile High Institute(SJAHI) in Jeddah held its fourth Skill Contest on the 3rd of June, 2007. Selected 75 students out of 181 in the second grade were grouped into 5 teams and competed each other in terms of team work, finesse, accuracy of judgment and technology. The contest was attended by H.E.Toshimitsu Ishigure,Consul-General of Japan. SJAHI was established in September 2002 by combined efforts of public and private sectors in both countries. The institute has three batches of graduates now and has contributed to the transfer of technology from Japan to the Kingdom of the Saudi Arabia.

Mr. Akira Amari, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, visited the Kingdom from April 30 to May 2, 2007.

Mr. Amari visited the Kingdom just after the visit by Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, and discussed specific measures to strengthen the bilateral relation. During his stay, Minister Amari had an audience with Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah, HRH Crown Prince Sultan, and HRH Riyadh Governor Salman in addition to a number of meetings with ministers including HE Eng. Ali Bin Ibrahim Al-Naimi, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources.

On May 1st, Minister Amari attended the “9th Japan-Saudi Arabia Joint Committee” to exchange opinions on the enhancement of economic relation between the two countries. On May 2nd, with HE Minister Al-Naimi, Minister Amari co-chaired the “2nd Asian Ministerial Energy Roundtable Meeting,” which was joined by a number of representatives from energy-consuming and producing countries in Asia, and discussed various issues including the energy outlook.


Minister Amari having an audience with Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah(photo:SPA)	One scene from the 9th Japan-Saudi Arabia Joint Committee	One scene from the 2nd Asian Ministerial Energy Roundtable Meeting

Mr. Shinzo ABE, Prime Minister of Japan, visited the Kingdom from April 28 to 29, 2007.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe paid an official visit to Saudi Arabia from April 28th to April 29th. He held a summit meeting with Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and attended a luncheon hosted by Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud as well as a dinner hosted by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. The Prime Minister also attended the “Japan-Saudi Business Forum” and met with the representatives of the Japanese community in Riyadh.

The Prime Minister received an exceptionally cordial hospitality from the Saudi Government in this visit. This warm reception, coupled with a “Look East” policy by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, indicates that the Saudi Government attaches great importance to the relationship with Japan.

Moreover, it is extremely worthwhile that the Japanese and Saudi Governments announced the “Joint Statement” aiming at the development of the strategic and multi-layered relationship between both countries and the establishment of a new framework for the industrial cooperation, while appreciating the relationship between Japan and Saudi Arabia that had achieved a remarkable development and reconfirming the importance of the stable supply of oil. This clearly shows the opening of the “Japan-Middle East New Era”, which the Prime Minister is striving for.

Furthermore, the Saudi Government highly appreciated that the Japanese business mission visited Saudi Arabia accompanying the Prime Minister, which is the largest scale ever in the history of the bilateral business and trade relationship. This indicates the mounting expectation of the Japanese business community towards further strengthening the investment in the Saudi markets. The “Japan-Saudi Business Forum” was held on a grand scale, in which more than 300 people from both countries participated including Minister of Commerce and Industry Dr. Hashem bin Abdullah Yamani.

*Joint Statement between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Japan (click here)


Prime Minister Abe Attends a Welcome Ceremony together with Crown Prince Sultan (photo:Prime Minister's Office)	Prime Minister Abe is Awarded an Order by King Abdullah (photo:Prime Minister's Office)	Prime Minister Abe Talks with King Abdullah (photo:Prime Minister's Office)

Exhibition of Japanese Handcrafts (March, 2007)

On March 25th, the opening ceremony of the “Japanese Handcrafts Exhibition”, which was one of the activities sponsored by the “Japan Foundation” and was touring all over the world, took place at the National Museum of the King Abdulaziz Historical Center with the generous support of the Ministry of Culture and Information. Japanese Ambassador Mr. Shigeru Nakamura delivered opening speech and Dr. Iyad Madani, Minister of Culture and Information, joined Ambassador Nakamura in tape-cutting for opening the exhibition.

The exhibition was held from March 26th until April 4th, featuring 92 items of traditional handcrafts including ceramics, textiles, metal works, lacquer wares, wood and bamboo crafts, glassware, papers, stationary goods and others, most of which have been used over generations and developed in the Japanese daily lives until present days.

The event provided local audience with an opportunity in correcting the stereo-typed images on Japan mainly related to “automobile” and “hi-tech” as they obtained a new image through looking at the traditional aspects of Japanese lives. Truly, the audience was impressed with the Japanese traditional culture.

As a part of the exhibition, the Embassy organized a workshop for invited pupils from a local elementary school which featured how to use the Japanese traditional materials and goods, as well as a brief learning course for Origami, Japanese paper craft, for the visitors. These special programs ended with great success.


Tape cut by Ambassador Nakamura and Dr. Madani, Minister of Culture and Information at opening ceremony	Ambassador explains show items to Dr. Madani	In front of show items

Donation Ceremony of Knedo (Japanese traditional fencing) Equipments (March, 2007)

On March 7th, a ceremony was held at the Japanese Ambassador’s residence for donating the “Ken-do” (Japanese traditional fencing) equipment to the two different “Ken-do” clubs in the Kingdom, one in Dammam and another in Riyadh. Japanese Ambassador Mr. Nakamura, on behalf of the “All Japan Ken-do Federation”, handed the equipment to the representatives of the local “Ken-do” clubs.

During the ceremony, several club members demonstrated their “Ken-do” skills as a part of their daily trainings.

Among those attended the ceremony, there were representatives from the General Presidency of Youth Welfare, and Supreme Commission for Tourism as well as Japanese martial arts fans and sports lovers. They enjoyed the event..


Demonstration by Saudi members of Kendo clubs	H.E. Ambassador Mr. Nakamura (3rd from left, front), Defense Attache Capt. Takuma (1st from left, back) and members of Kendo clubs in KSA

Sustainable Growth of Japan and Future of Japan-Saudi Arabia Relations

Embassy of Japan and King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies organize a lecture by Dr. Naoki Tanaka, a renown Japanese Economist and a former consultant of former Prime Minister of Japan, as following;

Title: Sustainable Growth of Japan and Future of Japan-Saudi Arabia Relations
Lector: Dr. Naoki Tanaka, President of Center for International Public Policy Studies
Date: 24th (Sat) March 2007
Time: 13:30~
Place: King Faisal Center (KFCRIS), Auditorium, King Faisal Foundation Building, King Fahd Road Olaya, Riyadh
Language: English (translated simultaneously into Arabic)t and a former consultant of former Prime Minister of Japan, as following;

For further information, please click here

Donation of Japanese Books in Arabic for Children to Saudi Local Schools (November, 2006)

The Embassy of Japan started distributing Japanese books to schools, public libraries and research centers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 80 copies (4 books) were prepared for this purpose. All these books were translated from Japanese into Arabic and published by Japan Foundation. Japan’s semi-governmental organization dedicated to promoting mutual understanding through cultural exchanges.

On November 27th, four of these Japanese books were presented to Mr. Khalid Al-Dukhayil, Principal, Junior high school of Najd National School. The Embassy hopes that reading these books will provide the Saudi youth with good opportunities to foster interest in the literature and culture of Japan.

The visit of H.R.H CP Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud to Japan in April opened a new page in the history of bilateral relations. The Joint Statement entitled “Toward the building of strategic an multi-layered partnership between Japan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia” announced that the two countries will further promote dialogues and exchanges at all levels including the cultural field. Translation of Japanese books into Arabic and their presentation to the Saudi people is intended to deepen mutual understanding, particularly among the younger generation.

One scene from the Saudi-Japan Investment Workshop

Saudi-Japan Investment Workshop (November, 2006)

The Saudi-Japan Investment Workshop was held in Riyadh on November 21, 2006. It was hosted by Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA) in cooperation with the Japan Cooperation Center for the Middle East (JCCME) and the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC).

Japanese delegation including a number of CEO’s from Japanese business communities, headed by Mr. Jiro Nemoto, Chairman of JCCME, participated in the workshop. From the Saudi Side, HE Mr. Amr A Al-Dabbagh, Governor of SAGIA, and senior officials from the government and business people attended the workshop. Participants exchanged their views on how to promote the Japanese investment to the Kingdom.

In addition, Japanese delegation had an audience with the Custodian of Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah and a meeting with HE Mr. Khalid Bin M. Al Gosaibi, Minister of Economy and Planning on the same day.

The visit of the Japanese economic delegation to the Kingdom is very important in further strengthening the bilateral economic relationship between the two nations.

Reference> Opening Remarks by HE Mr. Shigeru Nakamura, Ambassador of Japan to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

One scene from the Saudi-Japan Investment Workshop

The 1st Japan-Saudi Energy Consultation Meeting (November, 2006)

The 1st Japan-Saudi Energy Consultation Meeting was held in Riyadh on November 18, 2006. Japanese delegation headed by Mr. Harufumi Mochizuki, Director-General, Agency for Natural Resources and Energy, met with Saudi team represented by HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, Assistant Minister for Petroleum Affairs, Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources.

At the meeting, both sides exchanged their views on various issues including the forecast on supply and demand of energy, bilateral cooperation, and Japan’s “New Energy Strategy.”

The beginning of the energy talks between the two nations, which coincided with the start of the negotiation on Japan-GCC Free Trade Agreement and Japan-Saudi Bilateral Investment Treaty, is important in further strengthening the bilateral ties in the energy sector. The next meeting will be held in Tokyo next autumn.

The First Round of Negotiations on the Bilateral Investment Treaty between Japan and Saudi Arabia

Japan and Saudi Arabia held their first round of negotiations on the Bilateral Investment Treaty on October 5 and 6 in Tokyo. Dr. Al-Awwad, Deputy Governor of Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA) and Ambassador to Japan Mr. Trad represented Saudi Arabia. They met their Japanese counterparts headed by Mr. Hideki Ito, Deputy Director for Middle Easter and Africa Affairs Bureau, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

Discussion centered on the negotiations process ahead and their timetables. The next round of negotiations is scheduled in Riyadh within the year 2006.

The First Round of Negotiations on the Free Trade Agreement between Japan and the GCC Countries

Japan and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) held their first round of negotiations September 21 and 22 in Tokyo. The GCC, consisting of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, sent its delegation headed by Dr. Al-Bazai, GCC Coordinator-General for Negotiations, while the Japanese Delegation was headed by Mr. MItoji Yabunaka, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs.

The 2-day negotiation was successful. Both side exchanged views on such issues as reduction and eliminations of tariffs in the field of trade in goods and services. The next round is scheduled in Riyadh within the year 2006.

Mr. Nakagawa, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan, visited the Kingdom from August 20th to 22nd, 2006.

During his visit to Jeddah, Mr. Nakagawa had an audience with Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud, in addition to the meeting with HE Dr. Fahd bin Abdulrahman bin Sulaiman Balghunaim, Minister of Agriculture and HE Dr. Hashim bin Abdullah Al-Yamani, Minister of Commerce and Industry, where a wide range of discussion including issues on agriculture was conducted.

In addition, Mr. Nakagawa exchanged views with the Japanese business community in Jeddah and visited several sites including the poultry farm, the project on desert environment protection, Saudi Japan Automobile High Institute (SJAHI) and PETRO Rabigh.

Mr. Nakagawa’s visit, as an important high-level mission following the visit of Prime Minister Koizumi in 2003, greatly contributed in further strengthening the friendly relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Japan.

Mr. Nakagawa having an audience with Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud (Picture: SPA)

Reception of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces Day

On June 13, a reception was held at the Ambassador's Residence on the occasion of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces Day.

The reception is held annually in June or July to commemorate the creation of the JSDF on July 1, 1954. This reception also became the first opportunity for Ambassador Shigeru Nakamura, who arrived in May, to host a large-scale event.

During the reception, the guests including ambassadors and Saudi generals enjoyed our original cuisines such as Yakitori and Tempura prepared at the stands, and a film was shown to introduce the JSDF international activities. The reception ended successfully, as about 250 guests participated in the event.

Guests enjoyed our original cuisines at the stands.

Visit by Japanese Cultural Mission to H.R.H. Prince al-Waleed bin Talal

On September 19th, prior to their participating in the Symposium, the members of the Japanese Cultural and Dialogue Mission to the Middle East made a courtesy visit to H.R.H. Prince Waleed bin Talal, Head of the Kingdom Holding Company, in his office at “Kingdom Tower”, which is located in the central Riyadh, and talked with the Saudi prince about various topics.

H.R.H. Prince Waleed and members of the Mission (from Right; Mr. Imai (NHK), H.E. Mr. Yasuo Saito (Ambassador of Japan), H.R.H. Prince Waleed, Prof. Yamauchi (Head of the Mission), Ms. Toyama (President of the New National Theater Foundation), Prof. Nakanishi (Kyoto Univ.), Mr. Toru Kodaki (Japan Foundation))

H.E. Ambassador Saito, Prof. Yamauchi and Mrs. Toyama talking with H.R.H. Prince Waleed

Symposium by Japanese Cultural and Dialogue Mission to Middle East

The Visit of The Japanese Cultural and Dialogue Mission to the Middle East and the Symposium made by the Mission upon the theme of “Modernization and Preservation of Tradition”

The Japanese Cultural and Dialogue Mission visited Riyadh on September 19th and participated in the evening of the same day in two separate symposia upon the theme of “ Modernization and Preservation of Tradition” jointly organized by the Embassy of Japan in Riyadh and King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies (KFCRIS) and the Nahda Philanthropic Society for Women. This second visit of the Mission to the Kingdom is one of the year-long programs to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relationship between Japan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The Mission aims at promoting mutual understanding between Japan and Saudi Arabia at various levels, particularly in the fields of culture, academia and journalism. The mission also visited Ankara, Istanbul and Tunis as a tour to the Middle East.

The Mission consisted of four eminent figures in Japan. Professor Masayuki Yamauchi, from Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, the University of Tokyo, headed the Mission. Prof. Yamauchi and two other members, Mr. Yoshinori Imai, Executive Commentator/Programme Host of the Japanese Broadcasting Corporation (NHK), and Prof. Hiroshi Nakanishi, Professor of International Relations, Kyoto University, made presentations in the “Main Seminar” held in the Auditorium of King Faisal Foundation in Riyadh. Ms. Atsuko Toyama, President of the New National Theater Foundation (former Minister of Education, Science and Sports, former Ambassador of Japan to Turkey), made a lecture in the “Women’s Session” held in the auditorium of the Nahda Philanthropic Society for Women in Riyadh.

Dr. Masayuki Yamauchi spoke, in his presentation titled “After Empire: The lessons of 60 years of post-war diplomacy in Japan”, about the cycle of success and failure the modern Japan experienced during the two post-war periods; the Russo-Japanese War in 1905 and the Second World War in 1945.

The titles of the presentations made by the other members are as follows:

Mr. Yoshinori Imai; “Social Development and the Role of the Media”
Dr. Hiroshi Nakanishi; “Tradition and Modernization - The Role of Politics”

Ms. Toyama in the Women’s Session made a lecture with the title of “Message to women in Saudi Arabia, Lifestyle of women -Past and Future-“. H.R.H. Moudy bint Khaled, Secretary-General of the Al-Nahda Society and a beloved daughter of the Late King Khalid, made an opening speech in the session and H.R.H. Sarah al-Faisal, President of the Al-Nahda Society honorably attended the symposium.

Quiet a few Saudi intellectuals and diplomatic crowds attended each of the symposia and listened with eagerness to the presentations made by the Mission members and in both sessions comments and discussions were exchanged after the presentations between the Mission and the audience with much enthusiasm.

His Imperial Highness Crown Prince Naruhito made a visit of condolence

His Imperial Highness Crown Prince Naruhito made a visit of condolence to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the occasion of the passing of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud (August 3, 2005).

H.E. Mr. Ryutaro Hashimoto, Former Prime Minister of Japan

H.E. Mr. Ryutaro Hashimoto, Former Prime Minister of Japan, and H.E. Mr. Khalid bin M. Al-Qusaibi, Minister of Economy and Planning of Saudi Arabia, in the Press Conference after The Third Meeting of Japan-Arab Dialogue Forum held on 8th – 9th of January 2005 in Riyadh

H.E. Mr. Ryutaro Hashimoto, Former Prime Minister of Japan met with H.R.H. Mr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia

The Third Meeting of Japan-Arab Dialogue Forum held on 8th – 9th of January 2005 in Riyadh, and the Japanese delegation headed by H.E. Mr. Hashimoto attended the meeting.more

The Japanese delegation headed by H.E. Akio Shirota, Ambassador in charge of International Counter-Terrorism Cooperation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan, attended the International Conference on Counter-Terrorism held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (5-8 February 2005).

Remarks by H.E. Akio Shirota, Ambassador in charge of International Counter-Terrorism Cooperation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan, at the Conference on Counter-Terrorism (February 2005)more