Ambassador Naoto Hisajima and Mrs. Hisajima hosted a reception at The Ritz-Carlton, Doha on February 9, 2026, to celebrate the Birthday of His Majesty the Emperor. The event was attended by over 300 guests, including the Guest of Honor, H.E. Mohammed bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Thani, Minister of Transport, and Mr. Mohammed Al-Jaida, Deputy Director of Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, alongside members of the diplomatic corps and various sectors.
In his remarks, Ambassador Hisajima welcomed the deepening of bilateral ties through the third Japan-Qatar Strategic Dialogue and the long-term LNG agreement signed on February 3 between JERA and QatarEnergy (QE). He also noted the success of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai.
Guests enjoyed themselves with and deepened their understanding of Japanese culture through authentic Japanese cuisine and seafood prepared by the residence chef, complemented by a tea ceremony, Ikebana, and a performance by the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra. The venue also featured well-received promotional booths from Japanese municipalities—including a message from Onagawa Town, which was badly affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake—and Japanese companies and organizations showcasing masu cups, matcha, and wagashi.
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On December 4, the Embassy of Japan hosted a Japan Self Defense Force Reception at the Ambassador's residence to mark the 71st anniversary of the establishment of the Self-Defense Forces. Approximately 30 guests attended, including representatives from the Qatar Armed Forces and members of the defense attaché corps.
In his address, Ambassador Hisajima noted the first visit to Qatar by the Chief of the Joint Staff and the second Military to Military Dialogue. He stated that this year saw progress in Japan-Qatar defense cooperation and exchanges across all fields, not limited to the traditional area of education. Finally, he introduced Colonel Arima (currently on temporally duty in Doha), who is to be appointed as the second Defense Attaché.
Guests enjoyed Japanese cuisine, including sushi prepared by the chef, alongside curry representing the Maritime Self-Defense Force and karaage (fried chicken) representing the Air Self-Defense Force.
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From November 26 to 28, General Uchikura, the Chief of the Joint Staff of the Ministry of Defense made his first official visit to Qatar, paying a courtesy call on the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affair, holding talks with the Qatari Chief of Staff, and visiting at Dukhan Air Base and Al Udeid Air Base. Ambassador Hisajima and Defense Attaché Col. Tatsukawa from this Embassy accompanied him.
The Ambassador of Japan to the State of Qatar, Mr.Naoto Hisajima, paid a courtesy visit to H.E. Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee on May 29, 2025. They reviewed the two countries’ strong bilateral relationship in the field of sports and discussed ways to further develop and strengthen cooperation.
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| Ambassador Hisajima (left) and H.E. Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee (right) |
Ambassador Naoto Hisajima hosted a festive reception at the Ritz-Carlton Doha to celebrate the 65th birthday of His Majesty the Emperor. The reception was attended by HE Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani, Minister of Commerce and Industry, HE Mr. Ibrahim Fakhro, Director General of the Department of Ceremonies of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and approximately 350 guests.
In his speech, Ambassador Naoto Hisajima praised Qatar’s mediation diplomacy to promote stability and alleviate human suffering, not only in the Middle East but also in other parts of the world, and noted Japan's efforts in Middle East peace, its humanitarian assistance to Palestine, support for the two-state solution, and CEAPAD (Council for East Asian Partnership for Palestinian Development). He also stressed Japan's commitment to continue to be actively involved in international cooperation for the reconstruction of Gaza and other areas. Referring to the 5th Japan-Qatar Foreign Policy Dialogue held in November 2024, he expressed his intention to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in a wide range of areas, including politics, economy, and defense, under the strategic partnership.
Many guests enjoyed Japanese food including Japanese marine products, such as Chirashi-zushi served by the Ambassador’s Chef. In addition, many guests took commemorative photos in front of Ikebana flower arrangements, traditional kimonos, and Japanese umbrellas displayed at the venue.
In addition, a PR video for the Osaka-Kansai Expo was projected on a large screen, and a special booth was set up to encourage guests to visit Japan.
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On January 27, 2025, the Ambassador of Japan to the State of Qatar, Naoto Hisajima presented his credentials and the former Ambassador's letter of recall to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Following the ceremony, the Ambassador discussed bilateral relations with His Highness.
Previously, Ambassador Hisajima presented a copy of his credentials to H.E Mr. Sultan bin Saad Sultan Al-Muraikhi, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs on November 25, 2024.
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Ambassador Hisajima and H.H. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani
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Ambassador Hisajima and H.E Mr. Sultan bin Saad Sultan Al-Mraikhi
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