PR and Culture Event in 2013
December 4 - 14, The 24th Doha International Book Fair
The 24th Doha International Book Fair organized by the Ministry of Culture was held for 11 days. The Embassy set up “Japan Booth” in cooperation with the Japan Foundation. “Japan Booth” displayed various genres of Japanese books including Anime, martial arts, Japanese foods, architecture, language studies, children’s books and magazines, etc. and promoted Japanese culture through the demonstration of Origami and Japanese calligraphy. Books Kinokuniya from Dubai participated in the Book Fair and many fans of Japanese culture purchased Japanese books such as Manga.
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| Ambassador Tsuda introduced Japanese calligraphy to H.E. Dr. Al Kuwari, Minister of Culture at “Japan Booth” | “Japan Booth” received many visitors every day. |
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| The demonstration of Origami and Japanese carigralhy attracted the visitors. | Books Kinokuniya from Dubai set up the booth next to “Japan Booth” |
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| Japanese Manga flew off the shelves at Books Kinokuniya. | The Book Fair was crowded with many Qataris. |
December 12, FIBA 3×3 All Stars (Basketball)
Fédération Internationale de Basketball (FIBA) held FIBA 3×3 All Stars at Doha. 3×3 is a basketball game with one hoop on the half court. Each team consists of three players. Team Nagoya from Japan participated in this All Stars game. Many Japanese enjoyed watching the games at Katara Cultural Village and Ambassador Tsuda encouraged Japanese players.
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| Team Nagoya vs Team Doha | The games were held at Katara Cultural Village. |
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| Many Japanese living in Qatar cheered for Japanese team. | Ambassador Tsuda and Team Nagoya |
December 10- 11, World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH)
The 1st World Innovation Summit for Education (WISH) hosted by Qatar Foundation was held at the Qatar National Convention Canter. H.H. Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of the Qatar Foundation, delivered an opening speech. In this first summit, leaders, researchers and medical experts from around the world including Japan came to Doha to discuss innovative and feasible solutions for various health challenges facing the world.
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| Opening Ceremony at WISH | H.H. Sheikha Moza, Chairperson of the Qatar Foundation, delivered an opening speech. |
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| Researchers and medical experts from around the world attended the Summit. | Panel Discussion at WISH |
December 8, The Ceremony of Launching All New Toyota Corolla
Ambassador Tsuda attended the ceremony of launching all new Toyota Corolla held on Sunday 8th of December 2013 at Al-Gassar Resort.
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| H.E Ambassador Tsuda along with his wife and Managing Director of Toyota and other VIP Guests | H.E Mr. Ambassador Tsuda and his wife and Dr. Nasser Abdulghani Al-Abdulghani Managing Director of Abdullah Abdulghani & Bros. Co. W.L.L, at the launching inauguration. |
November 26- 30, Ajyal Youth Film Festival
Doha Film Institute (DFI) held “Ajyal Youth Film Festival” at Katara the Cultural Village and this year’s Festival, which focused on the youth, featured Anime. Ajyal is the Arabic word for “generations”. A 5-day festival showcased 65 films from 30 countries. “The Wind Rises “ (2013) by Hayao Miyazaki was released as an opening film for the Middle East and North Africa premiere and many Japanese Anime were also screened. On the occasion of the screening of “The Garden of Words” (2013) by Makoto Shinkai, a closing film of the Festival, Q&A session with its producers was provided.
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| The young appeared on the red carpet for the opening ceremony. | Qatari children sang the national anthem at the opening ceremony. |
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| Japanese food was provided at the Gala Dinner. | “Otaku Cosplay Competition” was held as part of the Festival’s events. |
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| Cosplayers enjoyed their costumes. | Awards ceremony |
November 25, Lecture by Prof. Yamanaka, Japanese Nobel Prize Winner, at the Japan School of Doha
On the 25th of November, Prof. Shinya Yamanaka, the Japanese Nobel Prize Winner for “Physiology or Medicine”, visited the Japan School of Doha to give a lecture to the students. Prof. Yamanaka stressed the importance of having as much experience as possible, and he also talked about his dream in his childhood and explained the iPS cell in a simple way. Then the students asked many questions and the lecture was concluded in a great success. Prof. Yamanaka was invited by the Qatar Foundation as a main panellist and debater at its Annual Research Conference (ARC’13).
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| Prof. Yamanaka talked to the students. | Students are very excited to listen to Prof. Yamanaka. |
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| Students interacting with the lecture | Ambassador Tsuda also listened to the lecture. |
November 4 - 6, The 4th Qatar International College Fair
The Embassy took part in the 4th Qatar International College Fair organized by the Supreme Education Council (SEC) Higher Education Institute and provided useful information regarding study in Japan and Japanese government scholarship, etc. Ambassador Tsuda attended the opening ceremony. Many Qatari, non-Qatari students and their parents visited the Embassy’s booth and showed their interests in studying in Japan.
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| Many Qatari students visited Japanese Embassy’s booth. | Universities from around the world joined in the Fair. |
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| Qatari students listened to explanations on study abroad. | Many lectures and events were held at the Fair. |
October 29~31, The 5th World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE)
The 5the World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE) hosted by Qatar Foundation was held at the Qatar National Convention Center. H.H. Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of the Qatar Foundation, delivered an opening speech and H.E. Sheikh Abdulla bin Ali, Chairman of WISE, announced the “2013 WISE Prize for Education” at the opening ceremony. Over 1,200 delegates from more than 100 countries attended to WISE under the theme of “Reinventing Education for Life”. 10 Japanese active in the field of education including H.E. Mr. Matsuura, Former Director General of UNESCO, and H.E. Ms. Bando, Deputy Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, participated in the Summit.
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| Opening Ceremony of the 5th WISE | 2013 WISE Prize for Education was granted to Ms. Vicky Colbert. |
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| Many lectures were given by experts on education | Over 1200 delegated from more than 100 counties were gathered to QNCC. |
September 17-20, Qatar Tour of Kashiwa Reysol (youth team)
Kashiwa Reysol’s youth team (6 th and 8 th grade) visited Qatar to play friendly games with Aspire (Qatar) and Red Bull Salzburg (Austria). The team members of Kashiwa Reysol paid a courtesy call to Ambassador Monji on September 19. Ambassador Monji encouraged young players who will forge the future of Japanese football.
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| At Ambassador's residence. | Ambassador received a gift from the youth team. |
September 15, Visit of Mr. Juichi Yoshikawa, Master of “Sho” (Japanese Art of Calligraphy)
Mr. Juichi Yoshikawa, a world famous Japanese calligrapher, visited Qatar for the first time upon invitation by the Qatar Museum Authority. On September 15, Mr. Yoshikawa visited the Japan School in Doha and performed a calligraphy demonstration there. The pupils of the school enjoyed Mr. Yoshikawa’s powerful performance with skilful calligraphic art and some of them took part in the performance under the guidance of the “Sho” master. During his visit, Mr. Yoshikawa also visited the Qatar Museum Authority and the Ministry of Culture, and showed his performance to H.E. Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Chairperson of Board of the Trustees, QMA, and H.E. Dr. Hamad Bin Abdulaziz Al-Kuwari, Minister of Culture, Arts & Heritage.
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| Mr. Yoshikawa wrote “dream” in a dynamic movement. | Students are watching Mr. Yoshikawa’s writing letters of “light” with rainbow-colored inks. |
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| Mr. Yoshikawa taught some students how to write in a manner of “Sho”. | Ambassador Monji and his wife enjoyed the performance of Mr. Yoshikawa. |
July 14, Lecture meeting about relations between Japan and Qatar at Dubai
On the occasion of lecture meeting hosted by the Japanese Business Council in Dubai on July 14, Ambassador Monji delivered a speech on diversified and expanded relations between Japan and Qatar. The Ambassador pointed out to the wide range of the bilateral relations that the two countries are exchanging such as diplomacy, economy, culture, education, science and technology. Ambassador Monji regarded the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between Qatar and Japan as the crowning of the special ties that these two countries are enjoying. The lecture was attended by around 50 business leaders and representatives residing in UAE, who expressed their interest in the current situation of business opportunities in Qatar.
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| Lecture meeting at Consulate-General of Japan in Dubai | Explanation of the 40th anniversary of the diplomatic relations |
July 1 - 5, The 20th iEARN International Conference & 17th Youth Summit
The 20th iEARN International Conference was held at the Qatar National Convention Center. More than 500 students and teachers from 50 countries came together for the conference. Japanese delegation consisted of 15 members including 10 students from Okinawa Shogaku High School. 20 workshops were held in the conference where participants discussed the global situations in education. Ambassador Monji invited Japanese delegation to the residence and changed opinions on the role of international exchanges at people’s level.
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Opening Ceremony of the iEARN International Conference |
Japanese delegation delivered a speech at the opening ceremony. |
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| Ambassador Monji briefed Japanese delegation on Qatar at the residence. | Ambassador Monji and Mrs. Monji with Japanese Delegation |
June 15, The 5th Japanese Speech Contest
The Embassy of Japan and the Japanese Teachers’ Association in Qatar (JALTAQ) in cooperation with the Japan School of Doha held the 5th Japanese Speech Contest at the Japan School of Doha. Ambassador Monji and Mrs. Monji participated in the contest as a judge and the audience of more than 130 attended the contest including people studying Japanese and students interested in Japan. Mr. Saad Al Kuwari was declared to be the winner in Category B (Advanced Level: Free Topic). In Category A (Intermediate Level: Assigned Theme), Ms. Fatima Al Khater won the first place. The winners of the contest received prizes offered by Qatar Airways, Fifty One East, Japanese restaurant Junko, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ. Mr. Tenkei Nomura, a Japanese flower artist who was in his visit to Doha for Ikebana demonstration, exhibited his lively flower arrangement. After the contest, the songs in Arabic, English and Japanese performed by the pupils of the Japan School added spice and impressed the audience. The contest ended with a reception where all the participants and audience could foster their friendship while enjoying the Japanese food.
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| Many audience came to the Japan School of Doha for the Speech Contest. | speaker dressed in a traditional Qatari costume |
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| Mr. Saad Al Kuwari won the first place of Category B (Advanced Level: Free Topic) and got a round-trip ticket to Tokyo by the courtesy of the Qatar Airways. | Ms. Fatima Al Khater won the first place of Category A (Intermidiate Level: Addigned Theme) and got a video camera by the courtesy of the Fifty One East. |
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| Pupils of the Japan School of Doha performed the songs in Arabic, English and Japanese | The Japan School of Doha received a letter of appreciation from Ambasador Monji. |
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| Ambassador and Mrs. Monji with speakers, judges and sponsoers | Guests and audience enjoyed Japanese food after the contest. |
June 13-16 Ikebana Demonstrations by Japanese Artist Tenkei Nomura
Mr. Tenkei Nomura, a young Japanese artist of Ikebana (art of flower arrangement) visited Qatar from June13-16, by the invitation of Embassy of Japan in Qatar in cooperation with the Japan Foundation. During his stay, Mr. Nomura performed Ikebana demonstration on the occasion of the 5th anniversary event of Japan Club of the Qatar University on June 13, and in the evening of the same day he entertained the audience at Lagoona Mall by two Ikebana demonstrations in cooperation with the Mall and Plaza Hollandi (flower shop). Mr. Nomura also performed demonstration at Grand Hyatt Hotel on June 14 and then displayed his works at the hotel lobby.
On June 15, he also decorated the lobby of Grand Heritage Hotel with his special flower arrangement. His work was also displayed at the Japan School of Doha where the Japanese Language Speech contest was held on June 15. On June 16, Mr. Nomura presented Ikebana performances to distinguished Qatari ladies and foreign Ambassadors’ wives at the Japanese Ambassador’s Residence. Through all the events, Mr. Nomura introduced famous Japanese culture to many Qatari people as well as foreigners living in Qatar and fascinated them by his professional Ikebana skill. At every event, Ambassador Monji thanked the Qatari side for the cooperation and expected that Mr. Nomura’s visit would contribute to achieving the further development in the bilateral relationship.
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| Ikebana Performance at the Qatar University on June 13. | Students of Japan Club of the Qatar University and Japanese volunteers |
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| Demonstration at Lagoona Mall on June 13. | Many people watched the demonstration from the upper levels. |
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| Audience asked various questions on Ikebana. | Ambassador Monji and his wife and Mr. Badr Abdullah Al Darwish, Chairman of Darwish Holdings enjoyed the show. |
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| Demonstration at the Grand Hyatt Hotel on June 14. | Audience were surprised to see Mr. Nomura's using dates to show the flexibility of Ikebana. |
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| Mr. and Mrs. Monji and Mr. Christoph Franzen, General Manager of Grand Hyatt Hotel enjoyed the performance. | Mr. Nomura's works were displayed at the lobby. |
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| Mr. Nomura decorated the lobby of Grand Heritage Hotel with his flower works. | Mr. and Mrs. Monji and Mr. Pierre Vasseur, General Manager of the hotel. |
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| Ikebana Demonstration on June 16. | Demonstration at ambassador's residence. |
11 June, 2014 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifiers “Iraq vs Japan”
2014 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifiers “Iraq vs Japan” was held in Qatar as a third country for Iraq’s home game. Japanese national team, which already qualified for the 5th consecutively World Cup appearances, won the final game against Iraq by 1-0. Many Japanese living in Qatar and supporters from neighbouring countries and Japan came to the stadium. Ambassador Monji and Mrs. Monji also cheered for Samurai Blue.
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Pupils from the Japan School of Doha attended as Escort Kids. |
Japanese national team (Samurai Blue) |
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| The game was held at Al Arabi Studium. | There were two short breaks for hydration during the game due to the heat. |
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| Many supporters cheered for Samurai Blue. | Japanese players thanked supporters after the game. |
22 May, Book Donation to Tariq Bin Ziyad Independent Secondary School for Boys
Ambassador Monji, in collaboration with the Japan Foundation, presented 67 Japan-related books to Tariq Bin Ziyad Independent Secondary School for Boys. The donation ceremony was attended by Mr. Hamad Al-Mannai, Principal of Tariq Bin Ziyad School and Mr. Kentaro Azuma, Japanese Language Instructor, as well as many students who make great progress in learning Japanese language. This is the first book donation from the Embassy after the decision to implement Japanese language teaching at the School.
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Ambassador Monji and Mr. Hamad Al Mannai, Principal of the School |
66 Japan-related books were donated to the School |
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| Ambassador Monji explained the donated books | Ambassador Monji encouraged the students who study Japanese language |
May 20, Japanese Book Donation to the Qatar Olympic Committee
Ambassador Monji, in cooperation with the Japan Foundation, donated 14 books related to Japanese martial arts including Judo, Karate, Kendo, Aikido, and so on to H.E. Sheikh Saoud Bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, Secretary-General of the Qatar Olympic Committee. The Embassy has made the book donation to the Qatar Olympic Committee every year since 2009.
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| Ambassador Monji and H.E. Sheikh Saoud Bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, Secretary-General of the Qatar Olympic Committee |
May 15-16, 1st FIBA Asia 3×3 Championship
Fédération Internationale de Basketball (FIBA) held the 1st FIBA Asia 3×3 Championship at Doha. 3×3 is a basketball game with one hoop on the half court. Each team consists of three players. Villagio, a shopping mall in Doha, offered a special court prepared for this championship and many Japanese enjoyed watching Japanese team’s games. Japanese national team was formed only one month before in April, and its result in the preliminary round was one win (against Hong Kong) and two losses (against Qatar Grey and Jordan). Consequently, Japanese players could not advance to the final tournament. However, their dynamic play excited the spectators.
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Ambassador Monji and Mrs. Monji with Japanese national team |
Japan (black) vs Hong Kong (blue) |
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| Japan (grey) vs Qatar Grey (red) | Games were took place at Villagio (shopping mall) |
May 13 Book Donation to the Qatar International Academy for Security Studies (QIASS)
Ambassador Monji, in collaboration with the Japan Foundation, presented 60 Japan-related books to the Qatar International Academy for Security Studies (QIASS). The donation ceremony was attended by Mr. Martin Reardon, Senior Director in Training Operation, and Mr. Hiroo Aridome, Language Program Coordinator (Lecturer in Japanese), as well as many female students who major in Japanese language. This is the first book donation from the Embassy to QIASS. Ambassador Monji expressed his wishes for the newly established collaboration with QIASS to be further deepened and promoted in the future.
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| Ambassador Monji with Mr. Martin, Senior Director of Training Operation, and Mr. Aridome, Language Program Coordinator (Lecturer in Japanese) |
May 2 Joint Press Conference on 2014 Japanese Government Scholarship
Ambassador Monji held a joint press conference with the Supreme Education Council (SEC) to announce Japanese Governments scholarship programs for Qatari nationals for the year 2014 at the premise of the Higher Education Institute (EHI). Ambassador Monji briefly explained the outline of the scholarship program to the local press and also expressed his strong hope that this program would contribute to the further promotion of student exchanges between Japan and Qatar. Mr. Khalid Mohammed Youssef Issa al-Hurr, Director of HEI, also expected that many students would apply for this scholarship. Local press enthusiastically asked questions on Japanese scholarships and Japanese language studies during the conference. For further information regarding the 2013 scholarship program, please visit the following website. (http://www.studyjapan.go.jp/en/toj/toj0307e.html#1)
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April 30, Japanese Book Donation to the Qatar University
Ambassador Monji, in collaboration with the Japan Foundation, presented 100 Japan-related books to the Qatar University with the presence of H.E. Dr. Sheikha Abdulla Al-Misned, President of the Qatar University. The ceremony was held at the University’s New Library building inaugurated last October. Deputy Heads of departments, Director of Library, as well as many professors, students and university staff joined in the ceremony. This is the 7th donation of books to Qatar University since 1989 and the total number of books donated now reaches around 800.
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| Ambassador Monji and Dr. Sheikha Al-Misned, President of the Qatar University | In his speech, Ambassador Monji hoped that the books would contribute to the better understanding of Japan for the students |
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| 100 books have been donated to the Qatar University | Students are enjoying reading Japanese books |
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| Ambassador Monji was interviewed by the University. | Ambassador Monji showed books to Dr. Sheikha Al-Misned. |
April 23-25, 10th Doha Conference for Interfaith Dialogue
The 10th Doha Conference was held with about 500 participants from 75 countries. From Japan, Dr. Kazuko Shiojiri, Specially Appointed Professor of Tokyo International University, and Mr. Kimiaki Tokumasu, President of Japan Muslim Association, and Dr. Katsuhiro Kohara, Director of Center for Interdisciplinary Study of Monotheistic Religions, Doshisha University, attended this conference. In the session titled “Academic” chaired by Dr. Shiojiri, participants actively exchanged opinions on interfaith dialogue from the academic point of view. Ambassador Monji also attended this session.
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Dr. Shiojiri chaired a session titled “Academic.” |
“Academic” session witnessed active discussion among participants. |
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| Many participants represented a variety of religions. | Dr. Shiojiri (center), Mr. Tokumasu (center right), Dr. Kohara (center left), who participated from Japan. |
April 22~24, Qatar Tour of Vegalta Sendai (youth team)
Vegalta Sendai’s youth team (born in the year 1998, 1999, 2000) visited Qatar to play friendly games with Aspire (Qatar), FC Köln (Germany), and FC København (Denmark). Vegalta Sendai paid a courtesy call to Ambassador Monji. Ambassador Monji encouraged young players who will forge the future of Japanese football.
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Ambassador Monji gave an explanation of Japan Qatar relationships at the residence. |
Ambassador Monji and Mrs. Monji with Vegalta Sendai’s Players at the residence's Garden |
April 18, Book Donation to the Community College of Qatar
Ambassador Monji, in collaboration with the Japan Foundation, presented 80 Japan-related books to the female campus of the Community College of Qatar (CCQ). Dr. Ibrahim Al Naimi, Acting President of the CCQ, faculty and many Qatari students joined in the ceremony. Following the last year’s book donation to the male campus, many Japan-related books came into a collection of the female campus library for the first time.
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Ambassador Monji and Dr. Ibrahim Al Naimi, Acting President of CCQ |
80 Japan-related books were donated to the female campus. |
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| Ambassador Monji with faculty and students |
April 14 WOHOM’s Charity Fashion Show
Wives of Ambassadors and Heads of Missions in Qatar (WOHOM) organised a charity fashion show at Al Rayyan Theatre in Souq Waqif. Mrs. Monji and twelve Japanese ladies living in Qatar modelled a wide variety of Japanese Kimonos in the show and there was a burst of applause. Proceeds from this charity fashion show were donated for the operation cost of a one-year old boy who suffers from cancer.
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| Mrs. Monji and twelve Japanese ladies modeled Japanese Kimonos | Models dressed up a wide variety of Kimonos. |
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| “Uchikake” is a traditional Kimono for the wedding. | The charity fashion show succeeded. |
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| Models from many coutries | Beautiful Japanese models |
April 11 Japanese Book Donation to the Qatar National Library
Ambassador Monji presented 72 Japan-related books to the Qatar National Library. The total number of books donated by the Embassy to the Qatar National Library since 1987 now reached 915. Ambassador Monji also thanked Mr. Al-Ansari, Director of the Qatar National Library, and the Ministry of Culture for its kind support for the 23rd Doha International Book Fair in which Japan participated as a guest of honor.
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| Ambassador Monji and Mr. Abdulla Al Ansari, Director of the Qatar National Library | Ambassador Monji exchanged opinions on future cooperation with the Qatar National Library |
April 4 Donation Ceremony to Shafallah Center for Children with Special Needs
Mitsubishi Corporation donated $180,000 to the Shafallah Center for Children with Special Needs, which is part of Mitsubishi’s 10-year commitment to support the Shafallarh Center. Ambassador Monji attended the ceremony for the third time and delivered a congratulatory speech.
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| H.E. Ambassador Monji delivered speech | Donation Ceremony |
March 30~31, Hokkaido SME’s Economic Mission came to Doha
Hokkaido small and medium sized enterprise (SME’s) Economic Mission came to Doha to seek business opportunities in Qatar. Embassy of Japan helped them to acquaint themselves with Qatari business society through arranging business meetings with some officials of Ministry of Business and Trade and some board member of the Chamber of Commerce. In addition to this, Embassy of Japan held “Hokkaido Fair” reception to introduce their products and many resources in Hokkaido that attract tourists and promising business opportunities to the Qatar Business society.
Embassy of Japan will continue to promote and enhance business opportunities between Japan and Qatar through various activities.
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| H.E. Ambassador Monji delivered opening speech at “Hokkaido Fair” | Introducing made in Hokkaido products at “Hokkaido Fair” |
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| Business meeting with some board member of the Qatar Chamber of Commerce | The display of made in Hokkaido Products at “Hokkaido Fair” |
March 21-26 Visit of Mr. Fahad Bin Mohammed Al-Attiyah to Japan
Mr. Fahad Bin Mohammed Al-Attiyah, Executive Chairman of Qatar National Food Security Program (QNFSP), visited Japan from March 21-26 under the invitation program of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. During his stay in Japan, Mr. Attiyah met governmental officials and some intellectuals to exchange views on bilateral relations and possibility of cooperation in various fields. Mr. Attiyah also visited Kyoto where he enjoyed watching Japanese traditional architecture and experiencing Japanese culture.
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| Meeting with H.E. Ms. Toshiko Abe, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs |
March 24 Reception for young Qataris who visit Japan in April
Ambassador Monji hosted a reception for young Qataris, who visit Japan in April, at his residence. Many participants of two study tours with different organizers joined in this reception. Mr. Abdulrahman Al-Hajri, director of the youth activities department from the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage as well as a former Japanese government-sponsored student, organized a two-week study tour to Japan in cooperation with Japan Foundation. The study tour will take fifteen Qataris to Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima and Tokyo. In addition, eleven female students from Qatar University will visit Tokyo, Nagoya, and the Tohoku region for one week. This trip is financially and logistically supported by Qatar Petroleum Development Co. Ltd. In this reception, the Embassy gave a briefing on Japan and an occasion of communication with the Embassy’s staff so that young Qataris can acquire general information about Japan and some useful phrases in Japanese.
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| Ambassador Monji and Mrs. Monji with some guests |
March 22 Friendly Football Match between Japan and Canada
Japanese national football team played a friendly match against Canada at the Khalifa international stadium. Pupils from the Japan School of Doha attended as Escort Kids. Japan defeated Canada by 2-1 and this win gave an impetus to the next game against Jordan (26 March) at the final qualifier for the World Cup. Ambassador Monji and Mrs. Monji cheered Japanese players with many Japanese supporters inside and outside Qatar.
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| Ambassador Monji and Japanese national football team(©J.League Photos) | Japanese and Canadian players(©J.League Photos) |
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| Pupils from the Japan School of Doha attended as Escort Kids | Ambassador Monji and Canadian Ambassador Mr. Andre Dubois |
March 10 Japanese Film Showcase at Qatar University
On March 10, the Embassy of Japan, in cooperation with Qatar University, organized a screening for a Japanese film at Qatar University for its students and Japanese community in Qatar. Prior to the film screening, Ambassador Monji appreciated the support by Qatar University for the event. And on the eve of the second anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake of March 11, 2011, he also expressed the heartfelt gratitude to Qatar and its people for supporting Japan after the disaster. Audience greatly enjoyed watching the film “Shodo Girls” which was about a Calligraphy Club in a Japanese high school.
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| An Opening Remark by Ambassador Monji | A scene from the film screening |
March 8 Japanese Society’s Gathering
Japanese Society’s gathering took place at the private beach of Sheraton Doha Hotel. This is a biannual event for Japanese living in Qatar to enjoy themselves and to strengthen their friendship in the Japanese community. Ambassador Monji who is an honorary chairman of the Japanese Society in Qatar, and more than 300 Japanese from children to adults attended the event. During the event, pupils from the Japan School of Doha performed Wadaiko (Japanese traditional drums) before a large audience, which enthralled the audience and added spice to the gathering.
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| Ambassador Monji (Honorary Chairman of the Japanese Society in Qatar) | Japanese living in Qatar spent a nice social evening. |
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| Wadaiko performance by pupils from the Japan School of Doha | Wadaiko performance attracted the audience. |
28 February Reception of thanks for young Qataris
Ambassador Monji hosted a reception at his residence to express appreciation to Qatari youth for their warm support extended to various events conducted under the “Qatar Japan 2012” project. The reception was attended by around 30 young Qataris, including students and graduates from Qatar University, as well as many local fans of Japanese culture. Ambassador Monji expressed his gratitude to his Qatari guests who either volunteered or participated in the Japanese events that took place last year.
Participants were also welcomed by Japanese Hina dolls of traditional design that were displayed on the occasion of the Girl’s Festival (Hina Matsuri in Japanese) celebrated on March 3.
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| Ambassador Monji, Mrs. Monji, and Qatari ladies with Hina Dolls | Ambassador Monji and Qatari men with Hina Dolls |
20 ~ 24 February Qatar Open 2013 (Table Tennis)
Young Japanese players took part in Qatar Open 2013, the annual international table tennis tournament. Ms. Mima Itou & Miu Hirano (12-year-old pair) advanced to a semifinal at the female’s doubles. Mr. Yuto Muramatsu won the second place at the men’s single (under 21 years old). Ambassador Monji and Mrs. Monji cheered for Japanese players. Ambassador Monji received a courtesy call by the Japanese team and exchanged opinions on sports diplomacy with young players full of promise.
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| Qatar Open was held at Ladies Sport Hall (Aspire Zone) | Mr. Yuto Muramatsu won the second place at the men’s single (under 21 years old) |
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| Ms. Mima Itou & Miu Hirano advanced to a semifinal at the female’s doubles. (Photo is Ms. Hirano) | Ms. Itou & Hirano are 12-year-old pair. (Photo is Ms. Itou) |
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| Ambassador Monji and Mrs. Monji cheered for Japanese players | Courtesy call by Japanese team at the Ambassador’s residence |
29 January ~ 8 February Bicycle Race “Tour of Qatar 2013”
Bicycle Race “Tour of Qatar 2013”, in which the world’s leading cyclists participate every year, was held in Doha and Japanese national team run in this race. Ambassador Mr. Monji swung down the start flag.
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| Ambassador Mr. Monji, Mrs. Monji and Japanese National Team (Photo: Yuzuru Sunada) | Mr. Eddy Merckx (right) received Ambassador Mr. Monji (Photo: Yuzuru Sunada) |
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| One of the races started from Katara Cultural Village (Photo: Yuzuru Sunada) | Ambassador Mr. Monji swung down the start flag (Photo: Yuzuru Sunada) |
28 January ~ 7 February U-17 Al Kass International Cup 2013
Yokohama F Marinos, Japanese professional football team, participated in “U-17 (under 17 years old) Al Kass International Cup 2013” held at Aspire Academy. World-famous 12 club teams took part in this cup and the final results are as below. 1st Fluminense, 2nd Paris Saint-Germain, 3rd Boca Juniors, 4th Inter Milano, 5th Aspire International, 6th Real Madrid, 7th Aspire Qatar, 8th Liverpool, 9th Al Zamalek, 10th Esperance, 11th Yokohama F Marinos, 12th Al Nasser. Ambassador Mr. Monji received a courtesy call from Yokohama F Marinos after the Cup.
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| Preliminary league with Inter Milano (Italy) | Yokohama F Marinos scored with a free kick. |
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| Ambassador Monji greeting the players at a friendly match with a Qatari team | Ambassador Monji and the members of Yokohama F Marinos |
22 ~ 26 January FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2013 Asian Qualifier
Japanese national beach soccer team led by coach Ruy Ramos participated in FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2013 Asian Qualifier at Katara Beach. Japanese team won all matches in the group league (Thailand, Lebanon and Bahrain), and defeated Australia by 2-1 in the semifinals. Japan aiming to win its third consecutive championship of the qualifier lost the penalty shootout to Iran following a 6-6 draw in the finals. Ambassador Monji and Mrs. Monji cheered Japanese players with many Japanese supporters. Japanese team booked their place at FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2013 which will take place in Tahiti on September.
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| Ambassador Monji and Japanese players. | Close game against Lebanon |
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| Coach Ruy Ramos instructing Japanese players | Many Japanese supporters cheered Japanese team |
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| Japan booked their place at Beach Soccer World Cup 2013 | The finals against Iran |