Latest news with #NaotoHisajima
Qatar Tribune
3 days ago
- Sport
- Qatar Tribune
QOC President meets Japanese Ambassador to Qatar
H.E. Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), met on Thursday with H.E. Naoto Hisajima, Ambassador of Japan to the State of Qatar, at the QOC headquarters. The meeting was attended by H.E. Jassim bin Rashid Al Buenain, Secretary General of the QOC. The meeting reviewed the strong sporting ties between the two countries and explored ways to further develop and strengthen cooperation in the coming period. Discussions also touched on topics of mutual interest, including preparations for the upcoming World Athletics Championships-Tokyo 2025 and the 20th Asian Games- Nagoya 2026. The meeting also discussed the promising opportunities for exchanging expertise between the two friendly nations in the fields of sports administration and the organization of major events, building on the extensive experience both sides possess in this domain — most notably Japan's hosting of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and Qatar's successful staging of major world championships, including the recently concluded ITTF World Table Tennis Championships – Doha 2025. H.E. Sheikh Joaan reaffirmed the Qatar Olympic Committee's commitment to expanding international cooperation and knowledge exchange with friendly countries. He noted that the Qatari–Japanese partnership serves as a promising model for synergy in advancing the aspirations of the Olympic Movement and promoting sustainability and innovation in the sports sector at both regional and international levels.
Qatar Tribune
4 days ago
- Sport
- Qatar Tribune
QOC president meets Japan's ambassador to Qatar
DOHA: President of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani has met with Ambassador of Japan to the State of Qatar HE Naoto Hisajima. The meeting reviewed the strong sporting ties between the two countries and explored ways to further develop and strengthen cooperation in the coming period. Discussions also touched on topics of mutual interest, including preparations for the upcoming World Athletics Championships-Tokyo 2025 and the 20th Asian Games- Nagoya 2026. It also discussed the promising opportunities for exchanging expertise between the two nations in the fields of sports administration and the organization of major events, building on the extensive experience both sides possess in this domain. Sheikh Joaan reaffirmed the QOC's commitment to expanding international cooperation and knowledge exchange with friendly countries. He noted that the Qatari-Japanese partnership serves as a promising model for synergy in advancing the aspirations of the Olympic Movement and promoting sustainability and innovation in the sports sector at both regional and international levels. The meeting was attended by Secretary General of the QOC Jassim bin Rashid Al Buenain.
Qatar Living
13-05-2025
- Sport
- Qatar Living
Exclusive interview with HE Ambassador of Japan to Qatar
By Qatar Living • 17 Apr 2025 19:04 By Dipti Nair Since his arrival in Qatar, H.E. Ambassador Naoto Hisajima has been actively engaging with the local community, deepening the bonds between Japan and Qatar, and exploring the cultural and diplomatic landscape of the Middle East. In this exclusive interview, the Ambassador shares his first impressions of Qatar, insights into the strong and multifaceted relationship between the two nations, and the Embassy's ongoing efforts to support the Japanese community and foster cultural exchange. He also offers a glimpse into the exciting upcoming Expo 2025 Osaka and reflects on the fascinating contrasts and connections between life in Japan and Qatar. Watch the full interview: What were your expectations of Qatar before you arrived, and how have your impressions changed since being here? I had never been in Qatar before coming here. I arrived here about three months ago, and my images of Qatar had been, one was, FIFA 2022 World Cup hosting of the International football cup. And, another one was the mediation diplomacy of Qatar, particularly in Gaza. And, after arriving here in Qatar, those images of mine have been reinforced, reaffirmed. In fact, for example, I visited the Khalifa International Stadium where the Japanese national football team won admirable matches in the 2022 World Cup. And also, just after I arrived, the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, the deal was struck due to the tireless efforts by the government in Qatar and other parties concerned. How large is the Japanese expatriate community in Qatar? There are approximately 600 Japanese nationals now living in Qatar. The size decreased a little after the COVID-19 pandemic and completion of projects of the FIFA World Cup. But after that, the number has stayed steady, and we are happy to have those Japanese communities here in Qatar. What services or support does the Embassy provide to Japanese citizens living in Qatar? We provide those Japanese communities with a wide range of consular services, including, for example, passport renewals or issuing documents like certificates, and if need be, consular protection and emergency assistance. And we share with them information regarding events related to Japan. Also, we — the Embassy has a close contact with the Japan Society, which is the umbrella group of the Japanese nationals. Can you provide insights into the current state of bilateral relations between Japan and Qatar? Japan and Qatar have a very close relationship and Qatar has been and continues to be a reliable supplier of energy, notably LNG. And also, in addition to the relation in the field of energy, trade, investment, is very active between the two countries. And also political and defense aspect are other fields of active relationship. We have had the regular bilateral talks between foreign authority, foreign ministries and the foreign minister, the defense ministries. And the last year, in addition, the Japanese Self-Defense force, maritime Self-Defense force destroyer made a call at the Doha port. Also in cultural and educational area, there are many exchanges of people between the two countries in both ways. Are there any specific initiatives or programs you're planning to launch during your tenure to strengthen cultural ties between Japan and Qatar? In terms of cultural relations, we have been already doing various activities. And, during my tenure, I hope that I will redouble those efforts. Examples like the Japanese speech contest, which was held just one or two weeks ago, I was impressed with the devotion of each contestant learning the Japanese language. And there was a program of Japanese government-sponsored scholarship program — studying in Japan for Qatari students. And we support also the government initiative education program of Japanese summer camp in Japan. And we also invite the journalists and the other influencers to Japan. So a variety of activities to enable cultural exchange and people-to-people exchange. And I hope I will try my best to make those programs even more active and hope to start something. Tell us about Expo 2025 Osaka. Expo 2025 Osaka will start in April and continue until October for a period of half a year. I'm certain that the visitors to Expo will face the future services, systems, and goods, which will show what the future will look like. And I expect and I hope that many people from Qatar will visit the Expo, particularly the young people and children who will be next generation — the leaders of tomorrow — to feel directly about the future. Because the future belongs to those youngsters. What's one thing about life in Qatar that you find most different from Japan? And what's something surprisingly similar? Well, Friday as a workday. And every Sunday as weekly. Was it a different transition, is it difficult to work on a Sunday? It's not difficult, but I needed some time to get used to it. What is the most fascinating part of the Middle East for you? Culture as a whole, particularly culture nurtured above the surface of desert. But also different climate and nature from Japan. --- Make sure to check out our social media to keep track of the latest content. Instagram - @qatarliving X - @qatarliving Facebook - Qatar Living YouTube - qatarlivingofficial Log in or register to post comments 7 Historic Forts to Explore in Qatar This Eid By Qatar Living · 0 · 1 month 1 week ago Discover Qatar's rich history this Eid by exploring its iconic forts. From the UNESCO-listed Al Zubarah Fort to the scenic Barzan Towers, each site offers a glimpse into the country's past. Whether you're a history buff or looking for a unique adventure, these forts provide the perfect getaway. Fascinating Facts About Qatar You Probably Didn't Know By Qatar Living · 2 · 5 months 4 days ago Qatar is a land of fascinating stories, rich traditions, and surprising wonders. From its unique flag to ancient purple dye production, there's so much more to discover about this vibrant nation. Read on to explore Qatar like never before! Beat the Heat: 5 Tips to maintain your car this summer By Qatar Living · 2 · 3 weeks 22 hours ago When Qatar's summer temperatures hit extreme highs keeping your car cool isn't just a luxury, it's a necessity. Here are some smart and practical tips to help your vehicle stay cooler and safer during the hottest months. Post to Forum
Zawya
24-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Third Japan-Qatar Strategic Dialogue to be held in Doha this year
Doha: The third Japan-Qatar Strategic Dialogue will be hosted in Qatar this year, with the exact date yet to be set, Ambassador of Japan to Qatar HE Naoto Hisajima has said. According to the envoy, the dialogue will build upon the strategic partnership formed in July 2023 between Prime Minister Kishida and the Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani with high-level discussions covering regional developments, economic ties, security policy, and cultural exchanges. Speaking at a press conference on the eve of the 65th birthday celebrations of His Majesty Emperor of Japan on Monday, Hisajima said that in recent years, the bilateral relationship between Qatar and Japan has grown significantly, extending beyond energy to include foreign policy, economic investment, security, education, and culture. 'Japan commends Qatar for its pivotal role as a mediator in securing a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, as well as facilitating the release of hostages,' the envoy said stressing the importance of upholding the Gaza ceasefire and addressing the ongoing humanitarian crisis. Hisajima expressed Japan's wish to work with Qatar and regional partners towards a two-state solution and long-term regional peace, adding that Japan recognises Qatar's influential role in advancing Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) initiatives. 'As the GCC's global influence increases, there are significant opportunities for Japan and the GCC to benefit from collaborating. In December, negotiations for a Japan-GCC Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) were resumed in Riyadh, marking an important step in regional economic cooperation,' he said. Talking about trade relations, the envoy said the energy partnership between Japan and Qatar is longstanding, adding that Japan was Qatar's first LNG customer and has supported the growth of Qatar's gas industry. He said that trade between Qatar and Japan in 2024 reached $6.1 billion in exports from Qatar and $1.6 billion in imports from Japan, with significant growth in automobile imports. 'Japan's growing demand for LNG, driven by increased energy needs for data centres, creates opportunities for further trade. Japanese companies are also exploring Qatar's healthcare sector, where there are investment opportunities leveraging Japanese technological expertise,' the envoy added. He said that Qatar is also investing in Japan, particularly in large-scale projects like semiconductor manufacturing, adding that Japanese companies are looking into opportunities in Qatar's blue ammonia production and carbon capture technologies. Japan is also working toward building a hydrogen supply chain by 2030, aligning with Qatar's sustainability goals, he said. Ambassador Hisajima said both the countries have also made significant strides in security cooperation, pointing out that last November, the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force's destroyer 'Murasame' visited Doha, and the first Japan-Qatar Military-to-Military Dialogue was held in November 2023, while the Japan-Qatar Defence Ministerial Meeting in June further strengthened security cooperation between the two countries. Replying to a question about bilateral tourism, the envoy said that the increased air links between Qatar and Japan have boosted tourism and cultural exchanges, aided by the visa waiver programme for Qatari nationals, while Japan's National Tourism Organization (JNTO) has played a key role in promoting Japanese tourism and cultural initiatives in Qatar. He added that educational exchanges are also expanding, with partnerships between institutions such as Qatar University and Waseda University, stressing that the growth in Qatari students travelling to Japan underscores the increasing interest in educational collaboration. He welcomed young Qataris passionate about learning Japanese and pursuing higher education. He also invited Qatari nationals and the residents to visit Osaka, Japan and attend World Expo 2025 to be hosted by Japan and Bureau International des Expositions from April 13 to October 13, 2025. © Copyright Qatar Tribune. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
