PR and Culture Event in 2010

December 6, Reception to celebrate the birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan

H.E. Mr. Kenjiro Monji, Ambassador of Japan to Qatar hosted the Reception to celebrate the birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan at the Ambassador’s residence on December 6. He received the Minister of Education H.E. Mr. Saad Bin Ibrahim Al-Mahmoud as a guest of honor and more than 270 guests including Qatari governmental officials and businessmen, diplomats and Japanese residents.

November 29- December 9, Japanese Photo-exhibition and film shows

Under the patronage of H.E. Dr. Hamad Bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari, Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage, the Japanese photographic exhibition "COUNTER – PHOTOGRAPHY Japan's Artists Today" was organised by the Embassy of Japan in cooperation with the Qatar Photographic Society. On 29 November 2010, "COUNTER – PHOTOGRAPHY Japan's Artists Today" was inaugurated by H.E. Mr. Mubarak N Al-Khalifa, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage and H.E. Mr. Kenjiro Monji, Ambassador of Japan with about 200 visitors at the Qatar Photographic Society. In addition, two Japanese films with Arabic subtitles were screened during the exhibition, a Samurai movie "Love and Honor" and “Always Sunset on Third Street” setting in 1958 in Japan. Both movies were shown following the opening address by Mr. Izuru Shimmura, Counselor and Deputy Head of Mission and a number of Japanese movie fans enjoyed the movies.

November 24- December 4, 21st Doha International Book Fair, Japan booth

The Embassy of Japan and the Japan Foundation set up the Japan booth and participated in 21st Doha International Book Fair. At the opening, H.E. Mr. Kenjiro Monji, Ambassador of Japan showed the Japan booth to H.E. Dr. Hamad Bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari, Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage. It was a great opportunity to show and introduce Japanese culture through various kinds of books from Japan including Japanese children books, manga, arts, language and literature. Many of them were translated into English and even Arabic. During the Book Fair, origami course and Japanese calligraphy demonstration were also populer events and a number of visitors were attracted to the Japan booth.

November 7-9, SEC Qatar International College Fair

The Embassy of Japan participated in the Qatar International College Fair organised by the Higher Education Institute, Supreme Education Council in order to provide students with information on study in Japan. At the opening ceremony, H.E. Mr. Kenjiro Monji, Ambassador of Japan showed the Japan booth to H.E. Mr. Saad Al Mahmood, Minister of Education. 68 organisations such as universities and embassies participated in the Fair from inside and outside of Qatar, including Nagoya University and Tohoku University from Japan. Many students visited Japan booths to acquire information and guidelines on study in Japan such as Japanese Government Scholarship, Japanese higher education system and the student life in Japan. Furthermore, a presentation on Japanese Government Scholarship and Study in Japan was given by Ms. Hiromi Amano, PR and Cultural attaché.

November 3, Lecture on "Humanoid Robots and Japanese Culture"

Under the patronage of H.E.Dr. Hamad Bin Abdulaziz Al-Kuwari, Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage, Embassy of Japan in cooperation with Qatar Scientific Club held a lecture on "Humanoid Robots and Japanese Culture". The lecture was given by Dr. Shuuji Kajita, Senior researcher at the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology(AIST), Japan. Following the opening speeches delivered by H.E. Mr. Kenjiro Monji, Ambassador of Japan and Mr. Hassan Abdulla Al Abdulla, Secretary General of Qatar Scientific Club, Dr. Kajita gave a presentation to explain science and technology of biped walking in robotic technology and to introduce six robots which his team has developed from 2002 to 2010 including the female looking robot "HRP-4C". His presentation fascinated the robot-loving audience of more than 120 at the venue of Qatar Scientific Club.

 

September 27, Reception to say good-bye

H.E. Mr. Yukio Kitazume, Ambassador of Japan organised a farewell reception at his residence. More than 300 guests including H.E. Sheikh Saoud Bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, Secretary-General of Qatar Olympic Committee, H.E. Eng. Ahmed Mohamed Ali Al-Subaie, Former Minister of Electricity and Water and Former Chairman of Qatar Steel Company and H.E. Mr. Mohamed Khater Al-Khater, Chief of Protocol, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, came to bid farewell to the Ambassador. H.E. Mr. Yukio Kitazume is returning to Japan upon completion of his term of office in the State of Qatar as Ambassador of Japan. He as served for three years as the Ambassador of Japan and has made a major contribution to strengthening the friendship between Japan and Qatar. During the reception, the Ambassador and his wife, Mrs. Kitazume delivered speeches to express their gratitude to everyone whom they have met in Qatar and for their kind support and assistance. The Ambassador also wished for further growth in Japan -Qatar friendship in the future.

 

September 15, Abaya Fashion show

H.E. Mr. Yukio Kitazume, Ambassador of Japan and his wife, Mrs. Kitazume offered their residence for the quarterly meeting of Lulu-kai, a lady's club of Japanese residents in Qatar. In cooperation with Ms. Sarah Abdulghani Nasser, Qatari Fashion and Jewellery designer, Abaya fashion show was carried out as a main event of this meeting. Abayas designed by Ms. Sarah were very elaborated with unique ideas such as using colourful patterns and peacock's feathers. Japanese ladies were impressed by the beauty of those Abayas and enjoyed the fashion show.

 

August 28, Japanese Night

Mrs. Hiroko Kitazume, the wife of H.E. Mr. Yukio Kitazume, Ambassador of Japan, hosted "Japanese Night" in cooperation with Ms. Sarah Abdulghani Nasser, the Fashion and Jewellery designer, to introduce Japanese traditional culture at the residence of the Ambassador of Japan. Mrs. Kitazume, wives of the Japanese community and Qatari ladies demonstrated Ikebana, Tea ceremony and Kimono. Furthermore, Koto (a kind of Japanese cusical isturment) and a Japanese traditional song were played by the visiting Japanese Koto player, Mrs. Sumiko Kobayashi. More than 100 ladies including wives of members of Qatari government officials, former Ambassadors of Qatar to Japan and Diplomatic Corps attended to Japanese Night and enjoyed beautiful Japanese culture.

 

July 8, SEC Scholarship student going to study in Japan

H.E. Mr. Yukio Kitazume, Ambassador of Japan hold a press conference with Ms. Hessa Al-Aali, Director of Scholarship Office of the Higher Education Institute, the Supreme Education Council (SEC) at his residence. The Ambassador and Ms. Al-Aali presented Mr. Eissa Ismail Samani as the first Qatari student who won the SEC Higer Education Institute Scholarship programme to study in Japan. He aims to study in Tohoku University after the two year intensive Japanese language course at Sendai Language Institute. The Ambassador expressed his wishes for Mr. Samani's success in his study in Japan and for more Qatari students to go and study in Japan in the future.

 

June 24, Judo Demonstration in Qatar

The Embassy of Japan and Qatar Taekwondo & Judo Federation presented Judo demonstration at the Landmark Shopping Mall. 25 Judo players from Qatar Taekwondo & Judo Federation and Qatar University Judo Club in addition to three Japanese players showed their Judo techniques. The event also provided audience with an opportunity to try Judo experience. An audience of more than 300 people of all ages enjoyed watching and trying Judo. Furthermore, in order to strengthen Japan and Qatar sport relationship and promote Japanese martial arts in Qatar, H.E. Mr. Yukio Kitazume donated nine books on Japanese martial arts such as Judo, Karate and Aikido to Mr. Mohamed Bin Ahmed Khalifa Al-Sulaiti, the President of Qatar Taekwondo & Judo Federation who received them on behalf of Qatar Olympic Committee.

 

June 14-15, Embassy of Japan joined the SEC Open House

The Embassy of Japan participated the Open House 2010 organised by the Higher Education Institute, Supreme Education Council in order to provide students with information on study in Japan. Many students visited Japan booth to acquire information and guidelines on study in Japan such as Japanese Government Scholarship, Japanese higher education system and the student life in Japan. Furthermore, presentation on Japanese Government Scholarship was given by Mr. Ryoji Iwama, Coucellor and Deputy Head of Mission.

 

June 14, Japan School of Doha visits the Embassy of Japan

The Embassy of Japan welcomed the students of the Japan School of Doha who visited the Embassy as a study visit. The student toured the chancery of the Embassy and learned the work of each section. H.E. Mr. Yukio Kitazume, Ambassador of Japan explained the visiting students the works of the Ambassador and encouraged them to keep trying harder as representatives of Japan to Qatar.

 

June 4, Open School Day: the Japan School of Doha

H.E. Mr. Yukio Kitazume, Ambassador of Japan enjoyed the performances by the students of the Japan School of Doha during an open school day. The open school day was operated as a usual week day and a number of people including Qatari nationals visited to see the schoool activities. In the last class, all students demonstrated their performances as achievement of their study in English, Arabic and music.

 

June 3, Visiting Qatar University

Ms. Hiromi Amano, Cultural Attache of the Embassy of Japan was invited to a English class in Qatar University to discuss with students about Japan. In addition to a Q & A section, she introduced the Embassy's cultural activities and the Japanese Government Scholarship programmes.

 

May 31, Making Sushi: Al-HIBA Group's Charity event

H.E. Mr. Yukio Kitazume, Ambassador of Japan and his wife, Mrs. Kitazume offered their residence and arranged a Making Suchi seminar for Al HIBA-Qatar's charity event. Al HIBA is a charitable group for cancer patients and formed with the effort of multinational ladies members who joined hands with their leader Sheikha Leena Bint Nasser Bin Khaled Al Thani.
More than 30 ladies participated in the Making Sushi seminar. Following Mrs. Kitazume's instructions, they tried to make Sushi, the Japanese traditional cuisine, on their own. All the participation fees for this event were donated to a special account for Al HIBA Group with Qatar centre for Voluntary Activities, who coordinates its distribution with Al-Amal Hospital according to their need.

 

May 29, The 2nd Japanese Speech Contest

The Embassy of Japan and the Japan School of Doha organised the 2nd Japanese Speech Contest at the Japan School of Doha. H.E. Mr. Yukio Kitazume, Ambassador of Japan, Ms. Hessa Al-Aali, Director of Scholarship Office of the Supreme Education Council (SEC), Ms. Jamla Al-Hajiri, Director of the SEC Language Teaching Institute (LTI) and more than 100 audience including students and members of Japanese Community in Qatar attended the event.

 

19 Japanese learners in Qatar participated in the contest. They demonstrated the result of their hard work and impressed the audience. Following the Japanese learners' speeches, the event continued with a Japanese poem recitation by students of the Japan School of Doha and a brief presentation on the Japanese Government Scholarship programme for 2011 as well as a speech by Dr. Lazhar ElMabrook Ibrahim, a professor of Qatar University and an ex-Japanese Scholarship Student.

 

The event ended with a small reception where all the participants and audience could exchange their views and foster their friendships while enjoying the Japanese delicacy of Susi and Tempura.

 

May 13, Asian Ambassador group visited Ras Lafan

H.E. Mr. Yukio Kitazume, Ambassador of Japan visited a pearl GT project site in Ras Lafan as a chairman of the Asian Ambassador group with 13 diplomats including ambassadors and representatives from 10 Asian countries. Following a presentation of the current condition of the plants being constructed by JGC cooperation, the main contractor and manager of the projcets, they exchanged views and opinions on involvements of Asian corporations and labors in projects in Qatar.

 

May 2, Japan booth at a cultural event of Ali Bin Abdulla Model for Boys Independent School

The Embassy of Japan participated in an event "Doha the Light House of Culture" at Ali Bin Abdulla Model for Boys Independent School, which was organised as one of cultural events under "2010 Doha Capital of Arab Culture". During the event, a number of students visited the Japan booth and enjoyed leaning Japanese culture and playing with Japanese toys.

 

April 22, Joint Press Conference on the Japanese Government Scholarships for 2011

Opening of the Japanese Government Scholarship application was announced by the Embassy of Japan and the Higer Education Institute of the Suprem Education Council(SEC) . Candidates from the State of Qatar will be selected by the Joint Selection Committee comprised of officials from the SEC, Qatar University and Embassy of Japan. Mr. Iwama, Charge d'Affaires a.i.of the Embassy of Japan and Ms. Hissa Yousof Al-Aali, Director of Scholarship Office, Higher Education Institute, SEC stressed the importance of this programme which is a key to expand Japan -Qatar economic ties into an ever-growing multi-layered partnership and fosters the leaders of new generation .

 

March 28, HINA-MATSURI Festival with the Japanese Club members of Al-Wakra Independent School

H.E. Mr. Yukio Kitazume, Ambassador of Japan invited 20 Japanese club members from Al Wakra Independent Girls' School to share Japanese traditional culture: HINA-MATSURI at Ambassador’s residence. After listening an explanation of meaning of HINA-MATSURI by Mrs. Kitazume, they also enjoyed wearing KIMONO and attended a lecture of "Tangible Earth". In return, the Japanese Club members sang a Japanese song to the Ambassador and Mrs. Kitazume.

 

March 25, Japanese Book Donation Ceremony at Qatar University

The Book Donation Ceremony was held at the University of Qatar. H.E. Ambassador Mr. and Mrs. Kitazume, the President of University of Qatar H.E. Sheikha bint Abdullah Al-Misned and the Vice President H.E. Sheikha Jabor Al-Thani attended the ceremony with a number of faculty members and students including the members of Japanese Club. Mr. Kitazume handed over 264 Japan-related books donated by the Japan Foundation to the library . The fields of those books are varied such as politics, economy, law, literature, art. At the ceremony, H.E. Al-Misned expressed her gratitude to the ambassador and people of Japan for donation of books. After the ceremony, the participants exchanged their views to enhance the cooperation between the University of Qatar and the Embassy of Japan. The Embassy of Japan started donating Japan-related books to Qatar National Library in 1987. We have been donating them almost every year since then. This book donation is the fourth time for the University of Qatar.

 

March 24, Japanese Book Donation to the Language Teaching Institute

H.E. Mr. Yukio Kitazume, Ambassador of Japan handed over 40 Japanese language related books to the Language Teaching Institute. Those books were donated by the Japan Foundation to participate in 20th Doha International Book Fair. Ms. Jamla Al-Hajiri, Director of the Language Teaching Institute expressed her gratitude to the Ambassador and people of Japan.

 

March 18, Japanese Film Show and Orientation of study in Japan

The Embassy of Japan in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage organised a Japanese Film Show "Robocon" at the Waqif Art Centre in Souq Waqif. Before the film show, an orientation of study in Japan including a Q&A session by ex-Qatari scholarship student provided guidlines and information for those who are interested in studying in Japan. In addition, H.E. Mr. Yukio Kitazume, Ambassador of Japan and Ms. Hissa Yousuf Al-Aali, the Director Scholarship Office, Higher Education Institute from the Supreme Education Council (SEC) introduced Mr. Shaheen Al-Ganim, the recipient of this year’s Japanese Government Scholarship offered by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology-Japan (MEXT).

 

March 16, HINA-MATSURI Festival with Modern Indian School

H.E. Mr. Yukio Kitazume, Ambassador of Japan invited 22 girl students from Modern Indian School to share Japanese traditional culture: HINA-MATSURI at Ambassador’s residence. After listening an explanation of meaning of HINA-MATSURI by Mrs. Kitazume, they also enjoyed ORIGAMI and wearing KIMONO.

 

March 15, Itarian Actress Ms. Gina Lollobrigida's visit

The wife of H.E. Mr. Yukio Kitazume, Ambassador of Japan invited ambassadors' wives in Qatar with a special guest, Itarian Hollywood actress Ms. Gina Lollobrigida, on the occasion of opeing her sculpture exhibition in Doha.The attendees exchanged their views and opinions on Ms Lollobrigida's work and art with her.

 

March 11, HINA-MATSURI Festival with Sri Lankan School

H.E. Mr. Yukio Kitazume, Ambassador of Japan invited 25 girl students from Sri Lankan School to share Japanese traditional culture: HINA-MATSURI at ambassador’s residence. The students listened very earnestly an explanation of meaning of HINA-MATSURI by Mrs. Kitazume. They also tried ORIGAMI and wore KIMONO. All the students enjoyed their visit.

 

March 8, IKEBANA seminar at American Woman Association

The wife of H.E. Mr. Yukio Kitazume, Ambassador of Japan was invited by American Woman Association to instruct and demonstrate IKEBANA to its members at Grand Hyatt Hotel. There were 100 people attended to the event. They first learned basis knowledge of IKEBANA then tried performing IKEBANA.

 

March 4 New Airport Inspection

H.E. Mr. Yukio Kitazume, Ambassador of Japan visited a new airport site as a chairman of Asian Ambassador group with 16 people including ambassadors and representatives from 13 Asian countries. The group visited passenger terminal which is under construction by TAISEI Corporation. After the visit, they exchanged views and opinion on involvements of Asian corporations and labors with projects in Qatar.

 

March 4 The Unveiling Ceremony at the Japan School of Doha

H.E. Mr. Yukio Kitazume, Ambassador of Japan, attended the Unveiling Ceremony of a Painting Picture at the Japan School of Doha. A picture was donated by Ms. Hisako Miyamoto, a member of Chita-Qatar Friendship Association. Her trip to Qatar in 2008 inspired her and she painted this picture of three camels which got a prise of Nitten(the Japan Fini Arts Exhibition) in 2008. The cooperative support from Japan-Qatar embassies, Mr. Tadahiko Ito, a former member of the House of Representatives of Japan, Chita city in Japan and Qatar airways made it possible to donate this picture from Japan to the Japan School of Doha.

 

February 21 　Japan National Table Tennis Team and the Japan School of Doha

H.E. Mr. Yukio Kitazume, Ambassador of Japan invited the students of the Japan School of Doha and the Japan National Table Tennis team on visit to Doha to his residence. After a Japanese folklore dance show by the students, the team members and students enjoyed their time with talking and playing table tennis together.

 

February 17 　 One Year Anniversary Reception of Mitsubishi UFJ Bank Doha Office

In cooperation with the Embassy of Japan, the one year anniversaty reception of Mitsubishi UFJ Bank Doha office was held at the residence of H.E. Mr. Yukio Kitazume, Ambassador of Japan. About 130 people attended from Qatar and other neigbour countries.

 

February 14-15 　Japanese Drum Concerts

Japanese Drum Concerts took place in Qatar National Theatre and Souq Waqif on 14-15 February 2010 hosted by the Embassy of Japan and the Japan Foundation in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage to celebrate “Doha-The Capital of Arab Culture 2010”. The 14 February National Theatre performance was a collaborative concert between Japanese and Qatari musicians, Ryu's beat with Kano & Saga (Japanese) and the Pearl Arts and Heritage Exhibitions (Qatari). At the opening speech, H.E. Mr Yukio Kitazume, Ambassador of Japan stressed the strong friendship between Japan and Qatar and said "I am confident that this Japanese and Qatari collaborative challenge would showcase a new form of global partnership in particular for new generation who shall live side-by-side in the globalised world."

 

February 11 　Pre-trip Study for VCUQatar’s Graphic Design team

H.E.Mr. Yukio Kitazume, Ambassador of Japan hosted a familiarisation session for faculty and students of Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar's Graphic Design department at his residence as a precursor to their field study trip to Japan later this month. The Ambassador encouraged the sutdents and said "Since Japan is not only a developed and modern country but also has more than 1000 year history, this field trip to Japan would inspire all of you." At the session, Mrs Kitazume introduced Japanese custom and etiquette such as the art of wearing a kimono, eating with chopsticks, useful Japanese expressions and customs.

 

February 5 　1st Sports Day in the Japan School of Doha

H.E. Ambassador Mr. Yukio Kitazume attended 1st Sports Day in the Japan School of Doha at the ground of Al-Sadd Sports Club. A number of people also came to cheer the students including their parents, members of the Japanese Society as well as Qataris who participated in the Japanese Speech Contest last year and who has interent in Japan.

 

January 20　2010 New Year Reception

H.E. Ambassador Mr. Yukio Kitazume hosted 2010 New Year Reception at his residence on January 20, 2010. About 200 Japanese residents attended it and exchanged new year greetings. Following a piano and bassoon live concert, the Ambassador and Mr. Takemura, the chairman of the Japanese Society in Qatar, delivered words to convey their best wishes to the Japanese community for the new year. During the reception, rice cake making was performed in the garden.

 

January 16-17 Visit from Senior Vice Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan

H.E.Mr Tadahiro Matsushita, Senior Vice Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan visited Qatar 16-17 January. During his visit, the Senior Vice Minister met Deputy Premier and Minister of Energy and Industry H.E. Abdullah Bin Hamad Al-Attiyah andattended the forum "Cutting Edge Smart Energy Technologies Contributing to New Energy Future in the Middle East". In addidion, the Senior Vice Minister visited the Science Technology Park and LNG plants in Ras Laffan as well as the Japanese Society in Qatar to discuss further assistance for Japanese campanies .

 

December 30 to January 9 20th Doha International Book Fair, Japan booth

The Embassy of Japan and the Japan Foundation set up Japan booth and participated in 20th Doha International Book Fair. It was a great opportunity to show and introduce Japanese culture through various kinds of books from Japan including Japanese children books, arts, sports, sociology, language and literature. Many of them were translated into English and even Arabic. During the Book Fair, a number of visitors were attracted to Japan booth as those books from Japan and the first-degital globe, the Tangible Earth were on display, in addition, origami course and Japanese calligraphy demonstration were also populer events.