Osaka City Council eyes collaboration as Saudi prepares for Expo 2030
DUBAI: A recent trip to Riyadh by members of the Osaka City Council highlighted opportunities for cultural and economic collaboration between Japan and Saudi Arabia as both nations prepare for their respective World Expositions.
With Expo 2025 in Osaka and Expo 2030 in Riyadh, discussions focused on knowledge-sharing, mutual growth and leveraging soft power to foster international ties.
Hiromi Fuchikami, a member of the Osaka City Council and the Special Committee for Expo 2025, emphasized the significance of fostering human connections through these global events.
Speaking about the visit, she told Arab News Japan it was the 'perfect' time to 'build a bridge between Saudi Arabia and Japan at the local level, going beyond governmental collaborations to foster meaningful exchanges.'
Expo 2025 in Osaka is designed to be a 'compact city of the future,' showcasing sustainable living solutions and efficient urban planning.
Saudi Arabia's ambitions for Expo 2030, by contrast, aim to redefine the Middle East as a global hub for innovation and culture, with Riyadh on its way to establishing itself as a world leader in hosting mega events.
Both nations recognize the importance of cultural diplomacy.
Saudi Arabia's Manga Productions, which collaborates with Japanese creators, represents a successful model of cross-cultural innovation, she said.
'Saudi Arabia's embrace of Japanese culture, including anime, is a testament to the power of soft diplomacy,' Fuchikami said. 'Osaka, as the host of Expo 2025, can use this shared passion to foster new creative collaborations that benefit both nations.'
Fuchikami acknowledged several challenges including the absence of a Saudi Arabia regional office in Osaka, which she believes could strengthen investment opportunities and attract more foreign interest in the city.
She also called for greater representation of Osaka-specific industries, including small- and medium-sized enterprises, which are vital to Japan's economy but often overshadowed by Tokyo-based firms.
Despite these obstacles, Fuchikami expressed optimism about the potential for collaboration, especially as Saudi Arabia marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Japan this year.
Events celebrating this milestone include cultural showcases and anime-themed initiatives.
Fuchikami expressed confidence in Saudi Arabia's ability to deliver an impactful Expo 2030 despite the tight timeline. 'The Saudi leadership's determination to position Riyadh as a global hub is clear through Expo 2030.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arab News
3 days ago
- Arab News
Osaka Expo pavilion celebrates 70 years of Japan-Saudi relations
OSAKA: Saudi Arabia's pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka is celebrating the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Kingdom — the two countries first established their partnership on June 7, 1955. 'The relations go beyond a mere economic partnership to reflect the depth and diversity of our ties,' said Ghazi Faisal Binzagr, Saudi ambassador to Japan and the pavilion's commissioner-general. 'Today, we build on the strength of the past and harness the momentum of the present to jointly shape a new vision for the future. With Expo 2025 taking place in Osaka and Saudi Arabia hosting Expo 2030 in Riyadh, our two countries stand at the forefront of global exchange, showcasing the latest innovations and sustainable technologies, and contributing to shaping an inclusive future for all.' The Saudi Pavilion has hosted various business events and highlighted trade opportunities offered by Saudi Vision 2030, strengthening economic ties between the two countries. Additionally, it highlights the Kingdom's role in bringing Japanese culture to the Middle East through local manga studios, whose works will be featured in August. The pavilion aims to draw more Japanese tourists to Saudi Arabia, targeting 30,000 visitors annually before Expo 2030 Riyadh. Saudi Arabia's participation in Expo 2025 Osaka is part of the Saudi-Japan Vision 2030 strategy, which includes more than 80 projects across industries including culture, food, media and entertainment, energy, and education. The pavilion, which offers more than 700 diverse and engaging events such as daily shows and live performances, has attracted more than half a million visitors since it opened in April.
Saudi Gazette
3 days ago
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka celebrates 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Japan
Saudi Gazette report OSAKA — The Saudi Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka is celebrating the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Japan. The two countries established diplomatic relations on June 7, 1955, laying the foundation for a long-term partnership that has evolved over the decades into a multifaceted alliance enhancing cultural exchange and diplomatic cooperation. This partnership has also had a significant economic impact on both nations. In February 2025, Saudi Arabia and Japan signed a memorandum to establish a Strategic Partnership Council. In this context, Saudi Ambassador to Japan and Commissioner General of the Saudi Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka Dr. Ghazi Faisal Binzagr said that Saudi-Japanese relations have grown and strengthened over the past 70 years. 'The relations go beyond a mere economic partnership to reflect the depth and diversity of our ties. Today, we build on the strength of the past and harness the momentum of the present to jointly shape a new vision for the future,' the ambassador said. 'With Expo 2025 taking place in Osaka and Saudi Arabia hosting Expo 2030 in Riyadh, our two countries stand at the forefront of global exchange, showcasing the latest innovations and sustainable technologies, and contributing to shaping an inclusive future for all.' The Saudi Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka hosts hundreds of business events aimed at strengthening trade and investment relations between the Kingdom and Japan. These include presentations led by the Ministries of Investment and Commerce, as well as events highlighting the trade and investment opportunities offered by Saudi Vision 2030. Trade volume between the two countries has grown significantly over the past decade, rising from $33.4 billion to over $41 billion currently. The Saudi Pavilion aims to increase the number of Japanese visitors to the Kingdom, targeting 30,000 annual visitors before Expo 2030 Riyadh. This is part of the comprehensive Saudi-Japan Vision 2030 strategy, which includes more than 80 projects across nine sectors: culture, food and agricultural security, media and entertainment, healthcare, advanced infrastructure, finance and investment, competitive industries, energy, small and medium enterprises, sports, and education. Cultural exchange between the two countries has flourished, highlighted by Saudi Arabia's role in bringing Japanese culture to the Middle East through local manga studios, whose works will be showcased at the Saudi Pavilion in August. The Saudi Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka offers more than 700 diverse and engaging events, including daily shows and live performing arts. Since the Expo opened in April 2025, it has attracted over 500,000 visitors. On September 23, it is expected to host a variety of events and presentations in celebration of Saudi National Day.
Asharq Al-Awsat
04-06-2025
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Monsha'at Showcases Saudi Arabia's Entrepreneurship Journey at Expo 2025 Osaka
Saudi Arabia underscored its growing international presence as a hub for entrepreneurship through an interactive workshop held at its pavilion during Expo 2025 Osaka in Japan. The event aimed to highlight the Kingdom's experience in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and to foster opportunities for international collaboration in this vital sector. The workshop, organized by the General Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises (Monsha'at), brought together around 30 participants from various countries. Monsha'at presented its integrated ecosystem designed to empower the Kingdom's entrepreneurial landscape by simplifying business processes, boosting access to financing, promoting a culture of entrepreneurship, and encouraging innovation and the adoption of modern technologies. Key initiatives were showcased, including the Biban Forum, an international platform that connects entrepreneurs with investors, highlights Saudi success stories, and offers opportunities for professional development. This initiative plays a significant role in positioning Saudi Arabia as a global hub for entrepreneurship. Monsha'at also shared the Kingdom's experience hosting the Entrepreneurship World Cup, one of the largest global competitions in its field. The event has attracted more than 420,000 participants from 191 countries, with 500 startups advancing to the final stage. Over $5 million in cash prizes have been awarded, in addition to tailored training and development programs. The workshop is part of Monsha'at's broader participation in Expo 2025 Osaka, with the goal of promoting the Kingdom's entrepreneurial ecosystem, showcasing its strategic initiatives, and expanding international cooperation, all aligned with the objectives of Vision 2030. The Saudi Pavilion at Expo Osaka offers a multi-sensory experience centered on the Kingdom's transformative journey under Vision 2030. It highlights Saudi Arabia's commitment to enhancing quality of life through innovation and technological progress. The pavilion also features immersive experiences that reflect the richness of Saudi cities, villages, and cultural heritage. Constructed using lightweight Saudi stone, the structure was designed by renowned architects from Foster + Partners to represent the Kingdom's vision of building sustainable, empowered communities.
