Latest news with #MukaiKenichiro
Kuwait Times
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Kuwait Times
Crown Prince to visit Japan in first visit of its kind since 2016
Ambassador Mukai Kenichiro KUWAIT: His Highness the Crown Prince of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, is scheduled to make an official visit to Japan — marking the first high-level Kuwaiti visit to the country since 2016, when former Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah visited. "I am honored that Japan has been chosen as the destination for the first bilateral visit by His Highness Crown Prince," said Japanese Ambassador to Kuwait Mukai Kenichiro on Tuesday. During the visit, His Highness the Crown Prince is expected to meet with Emperor Naruhito and Crown Prince Fumihito. These meetings aim to reinforce the longstanding ties between the Japanese Imperial Family and Kuwait's ruling family. The itinerary also includes a summit meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, during which both sides will discuss bilateral relations and key regional issues. "I am confident that this visit will be a unique opportunity for the dramatic development of Kuwait-Japan relations." His Highness the Crown Prince and the accompanying delegation are expected to depart Malaysia to Japan Wednesday, on an official visit to the Japanese capital Tokyo and the city of Osaka.
Kuwait Times
20-05-2025
- Business
- Kuwait Times
Japan invites Kuwaiti entrepreneurs to explore investment opportunities
Envoy highlights potential for business growth at Japan-Kuwait Business Diwaniya KUWAIT: Kuwaiti entrepreneurs and investors are encouraged to explore business opportunities in Japan, said Japanese Ambassador to Kuwait Mukai Kenichiro on Sunday, ahead of the 'Japan-Kuwait Business Diwaniya.' Speaking to KUNA, Ambassador Mukai expressed Japan's openness to Kuwaiti business ventures, particularly through supportive visa schemes for foreign entrepreneurs, such as those available in the city of Fukuoka. 'This is a good opportunity for Kuwaiti entrepreneurs to start businesses in Japan,' he stated. The ambassador noted that Kuwaiti cuisine received positive feedback from Japanese visitors during the ongoing Expo 2025 in Osaka, Kansai. 'This could create an opening for Kuwaiti entrepreneurs to consider launching ventures in Japan—not only in cuisine but in broader cultural sectors as well,' he added. Touching on broader economic ties, Ambassador Mukai affirmed the strength of Kuwaiti-Japanese relations. 'Our business and trade ties continue to grow, particularly as Kuwait plays a critical role in Japan's energy security through its supply of crude oil,' he remarked. Japanese Ambassador to Kuwait Mukai Kenichiro Al-Sayer Group CEO Mubarak Al-Sayer During his remarks at the Diwaniya, the ambassador encouraged Kuwaiti companies to consider investments in Japanese sectors, especially in advanced technology. He highlighted such cooperation as essential in supporting Kuwait's efforts to achieve net-zero carbon emissions in the oil sector by 2050. Ambassador Mukai also noted that the Diwaniya serves as a platform to revitalize the 'Japan-Kuwait Business Committee,' praising the role of major Japanese firms—including Mitsubishi, Toshiba, JERA, and others—for their contributions to vital infrastructure projects in Kuwait such as Al-Subiya, Al-Zour, and Doha power plants. He further revealed ongoing discussions between the two countries aimed at forging a bilateral agreement for unique culinary collaborations. For his part, Mubarak Al-Sayer, CEO of Al-Sayer Group, emphasized the company's longstanding role as a commercial bridge between Japan and Kuwait through its extensive importation of Japanese goods and brands. He called for greater support from the Japanese government to enhance cooperation across trade, education, industry, and healthcare. Al-Sayer also highlighted the potential benefits of Japanese expertise in helping Kuwait address environmental and urban development challenges through technological collaboration, paving the way for a sustainable future. He concluded by urging the Japanese government to consider granting visas on arrival for Kuwaiti citizens, a step he said would significantly boost bilateral ties. — KUNA
Arab Times
19-05-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Japan and Kuwait deepen business ties through strategic Diwaniya gathering
KUWAIT CITY, May 19: Japanese Ambassador to Kuwait Mukai Kenichiro organized the 'Japanese-Kuwaiti Business Diwaniya' at his residence, with Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs Ambassador Samih Jawhar Hayat, a group of Kuwaiti businesspersons, and representatives of the public and private sectors in attendance. The meeting aimed to strengthen the economic and technological partnerships between Kuwait and Japan and expand the horizons of cooperation in various fields. Mukai expressed his pride and gratitude for the presence of the guests, stressing that the Diwaniya is a strategic opportunity to revive the Japanese-Kuwaiti Business Committee at the governmental level and exchange views on the future of trade and investment cooperation between the two countries. He pointed out that the current phase is a turning point in economic relations between the two countries, calling for strengthening cooperation in sustainable development, social responsibility, and the green economy. He affirmed that Japan is one of the largest global investment markets, with capital investments reaching approximately $700 billion in 2023. He urged the Kuwaiti businesspersons to explore the available opportunities, particularly through the Kansai-Osaka Expo, which was launched in April and will continue for six months. He revealed the Expo showcases advanced Japanese technologies, such as room-temperature hydrogen production devices, carbon dioxide capture and emission technologies, and industrial fuel production. He said these technologies are plausible solutions for the realization of Kuwait's goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. He also cited the perovskite solar cells developed by Panasonic, which can be installed on windows and are currently used in Toyota cars that charge while driving, making them ideally suited to the sunny environment in Kuwait. In the healthcare sector, he highlighted the regenerative medicine technologies using IPS cells, which offer advanced therapeutic capabilities, calling for investment in them and their use within the healthcare system in Kuwait. He also talked about the contributions of major Japanese companies, such as Mitsubishi, Toshiba and JERA, to infrastructure and energy projects in Kuwait. He asserted that these projects are not merely commercial activities, as they are rather contributions to improving the quality of life. He was quick to add that these companies are facing challenges, such as the slow bidding process, delayed procedures, and lack of focus on reducing emissions. He revealed the Japanese government is engaged in a serious dialogue with the Kuwaiti side to address these challenges, calling on decision-makers to support these efforts to improve the joint business environment. He affirmed the embassy's readiness to provide all forms of support to Kuwaiti businesspersons, wishing to introduce Japanese products and technologies to the local market. He is hoping that Kuwait will become a regional center for adopting Japanese innovations and exporting them to the Gulf states, especially Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). On the other hand, Mubarak Al-Sayer, Executive Board Member of Al-Sayer Group, presented the history of the long-standing partnership with Japan, dating back to 1954, when the group became the first distributor of Toyota vehicles in the Middle East, thanks to his late father, Nasser Mohammed Al-Sayer. Al-Sayer explained that this relationship has evolved into a strategic partnership spanning more than seven decades, making Al-Sayer Group the largest importer of Japanese goods in Kuwait, including major brands like Toyota, Lexus, Hino, Hitachi, Kawasaki, Yokohama, Akai, Sakai, JCB, and Canon. He asked the Japanese government to facilitate entry for Kuwaitis by granting visas upon arrival, stressing that the Kuwaiti people's passion for Japan is growing in the fields of education, entertainment, and commerce. He affirmed Al-Sayer Group's commitment to continuing its longstanding partnership with Japan for future generations, stating that 'this partnership is not only a legacy we cherish, but a future we are working hard to consolidate.
Arab Times
19-02-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Japanese envoy hails strong Kuwait ties, encourages Expo engagement
KUWAIT CITY, Feb 19: Japanese Ambassador to Kuwait Mukai Kenichiro praised the depth of bilateral relations between the two countries, stressing that they are witnessing development in various fields. He called for wide participation of Kuwaitis in the Kansai-Osaka Exhibition, scheduled to open on April 13. He made the statement in an event he organized to celebrate the 65th birthday of Japanese Emperor Naruhito, with Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Sheikh Jarrah Al- Jaber and large number of ambassadors, diplomats and citizens in attendance. He greeted Kuwait, its leadership, government and people on the occasion of the 64th National Day and the 34th Liberation Day, wishing the country further prosperity under the leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al- Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. He also expressed his aspiration to strengthen bilateral relations and consolidate cooperation for the benefit of both countries. He referred to the fourth session of the policy dialogue between the two foreign ministries held in December to discuss various areas of cooperation; in addition to the fifth session of the Japan-Kuwait dialogue on electricity, water and renewable energy policy that was recently held in Kuwait, hoping to transform these dialogues into tangible cooperation projects. Regarding his tenure in Kuwait since his arrival last November, the ambassador explained that he felt the friendship and mutual trust between the two peoples; stressing that relations between the two countries are not limited to the economy as they extend to the fields of culture and education. On the Kansai-Osaka Exhibition, he disclosed that it will showcase a variety of items that reflect the latest technologies, culture and Japanese history. He said the Kuwait pavilion named, 'Light of Insight,' will embody the spirit of Kuwaiti hospitality with a blend of tradition and advanced technology. He also expressed his hope to enhance Kuwaiti investments in Japan and develop bilateral cooperation through technology and innovation.
