PR and Culture Event in 2016

December 14 Ambassador Otsuka visited Tariq Bin Ziyad Independent Secondary School for Boys

On December 14, Ambassador Otsuka attended the National Day celebration at Tariq bin Ziad (TBZ) Independent Secondary School for Boys. Ambassador Otsuka had friendly conversation with the school’s principal Mr. Hamad Al-Mannai and students. The event started with greetings from the students in five languages including Japanese, followed by Quran Recital, National Anthem, Boy scouts performance, poetry recital and introduction of traditional Qatari Food. TBZ school is currently the only independent school in Qatar that teaches Japanese language in secondary school’s curriculum.

The principal, Mr. Hamad Al-Mannai (center) and Ambassador Otsuka (Second from the right)	Chick peas are commonly eaten in Qatar

December 8 Ambassador Otsuka visited Qatar University for ASFAR Exhibition

Ambassador, Seiichi Otsuka, visited the first ASFAR Exhibition at Qatar university. The Exhibition is an embodiment of showcasing the students' experience and thoughts on the group field trip they have made to various countries. Male group who visited Japan won the 1st place of the competition. At later date, the group of students who won the competition presenting Japan booth, visited Ambassador Otsuka in order to present the memorial trophy.

Ambassador Otsuka visiting the male students’ Japanese booth	Anime drawing by a local artist
A photo of the female students’ booth	Ambassador Otsuka and Mr. Al-Yafei with the participants

Ambassador and students group photo

November 30~December 10 “Japan booth at the 27th Doha International Book Fair”

The Embassy of Japan, in cooperation with the Japan Foundation, set up the “Japan Booth” at the 27th Doha International Book Fair, which was held from 30th November to 11th December, 2016 at Doha Exhibition and Convention Center(DECC). Many people showed strong interest in the wide range of Japanese books including Manga, Origami, Japanese text books, Japanese landscaping and architecture books as well as the demonstration of Japanese calligraphy and Origami lessons received wide attention from the guests. Kinokuniya bookstore (Dubai) also participated in the Book Fair and some popular Manga were quickly sold.

Ambassador Otsuka being interviewed	Students happily holding their names written in Japanese language
Enthusiastically looking at Japanese language textbook	Japanese calligraphy gained popularity
Origami shaped “Pikachu” was popular among children	Manga comics were sold out quickly at Kinokuniya booth

November 27, 2016 Japanese tea ceremony at HBKU

Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) and Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar (VCUQ) organized the Japanese tea ceremony at HBKU on 27th November, 2016. A live demonstration of tea ceremony was presented by a Japanese tea master, Mr. Eiji Kurahashi, General Manager of NYK Line Doha office. Students from both universities were attracted by the artistic settings, Japanese Kimono and the taste of Japanese green tea and Yokan (Japanese sweet bean jelly). Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al-Thani, Vice Chairperson of Qatar Foundation (QF) also enjoyed tasting the traditional Japanese tea and sweets.

Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al-Thani, Vice Chairperson of QF (second from right) and Mr. Eiji Kurahashi, General Manager of NYK Line Doha Office (left)	Students observing demonstration of Japanese tea ceremony

Live demonstration of the Japanese tea ceremony by Mr. Eiji Kurahashi

October 23, 2016　Japanese Book Donation to Qatar Public Library (Dar Al-Kutub)

The Embassy of Japan in the State of Qatar, in cooperation with the Japan Foundation, donated a wide range of 20 books to Qatar Public Library (Dar Al-Kutub). The donation took place at the Ministry of Culture and Sports on 23rd of October, 2016. The Embassy has a long history of cooperation with the Qatar Public Library. The first book donation took place in 1987, and over almost 30 years, the total number of books presented to the Public Library reached almost 1,000. Delivering the books to Mr. Ibrahim Al-Sayed, Director of Public Libraries and Heritage department, Ministry of Culture and Sports, Ambassador Shingo Tsuda expressed his hope that the books donated over the years have been contributing to enrich the knowledge on Japan among Qatari readers. He also stressed the importance of cultural exchange that forge the bridge between the two nations.

Ambassador Shingo Tsuda (Left), Mr. Ibrahim Albouhashim Al-Sayed, Director of Public Libraries and Heritage department, Ministry of Culture and Sports (Center) and Mr. Abdul Rahman Al-Hatmi, Director of supply department, Qatar Public library (Right)

October 17-19,2016 The 7th Qatar International College Fair

The Embassy of Japan in the State of Qatar participated in “the 7th International College Fair (QICF)” organized by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, held at the Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC). Many students and their parents visited the booth and showed their interest in studying in Japan, inquiring various scholarship opportunities at Japanese universities.

Many students who wish to study in Japan visited the Embassy booth	Japanese Embassy booth

Students in front of the Japanese Embassy booth

October 9, 2016　Japanese Book Donation to Qatar National Library (QNL)

Ambassador Shingo Tsuda, in cooperation with the Japan Foundation, donated a wide range of 83 books to Qatar National Library (QNL) in Education City, on 9th of October, 2016 for the first time. Dr. Claudia Lux, Project Director of Qatar National Library, attended the ceremony and expressed her great appreciation for the donation. The new building of QNL will be open in 2017.

Ambassador Shingo Tsuda and Dr. Claudia Lux, Project Director of Qatar National Library

September 26, 2016　9th Japanese Book Donation to Qatar University Library

Ambassador Shingo Tsuda donated 77 books to Qatar University for the 9th time on 26th of September, 2016, in cooperation with the Japan Foundation. The books include collections of Japanese famous literature translated in Arabic, Japanese text books, manga and Japanese folk tales. The book donation to Qatar University started in 1989 by the Embassy of Japan and the total number of books given reached more than 1,000.

From the left: Dr. Rashid Al Kuwari, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Ambassador Shingo Tsuda, Dr. Hasssan Al Derham, the President at Qatar University and Dr. Imad Bachir, Director of the Library	Dr. Imad Bachir gave welcoming speech to Ambassador Shingo Tsuda
Ambassador Shingo Tsuda giving remarks during the ceremony	Dr. Hasssan Al Derham, the President at Qatar University talks about Japanese novel translated into Arabic with Ambassador Shingo Tsuda, explained by Prof Issam Hamza.

August 15, 2016　Japanese children book donated to Museum of Islamic Art (MIA)

Ambassador Shingo Tsuda, in cooperation with the Japan Foundation, donated 30 books to MIA Library on 15th of August, 2016 for the second time. The books include a collection of fairy tales, children’s stories and various books explaining how to make “Origami”, Japanese paper craft. Ms. Susan Parker-Leavy, the Head of MIA Library, expressed her gratitude and wished for further strengthening cooperation and enhancing friendly relations between the MIA Library and the Embassy of Japan in the fields of art, culture and education. Seizing this opportunity, Ambassador Tsuda took a tour of the Library and “Muhammad Ali” exhibition.

Ms. Susan Parker-Leavy, Head of MIA Library (left), Ambassador Shingo Tsuda (center), Mr. Abdulla Al Mannai, MIA Library clerk (right).	Ms. Parker-Leavy gave a library tour to Ambassador Tsuda.

June 12, Ambassador Tsuda visited Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC)

Japan’s Ambassador to Qatar, Shingo Tsuda, met with the Secretary General of Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), H.E. Dr Thani Al Kuwari, at QOC on June 12, 2016. During the meeting, Ambassador Tsuda and Dr. Al-Kuwari discussed cooperation in the sports field between the two countries and means to further enhance them. Talks touched upon the various opportunities for cooperation ahead of the two big sport events, “Tokyo Olympics 2020” and “FIFA World Cup 2022”. Seizing this opportunity, Ambassador Tsuda, in collaboration with Japan Foundation, donated 12 books such as Judo, Kendo and Aikido to the Olympic Committee. This marks the 7th time since its first donation in 2009.

Ambassador Tsuda and H.E. Dr. Al-Kuwari holding the book“Mastering the Sword”.	Ambassador Tsuda and H.E. Dr. Al-Kuwari discussing cooperation between Japan and QOC in the sports field.

May 29, Japanese Book Donation to Katara Cultural Village

Ambassador Shingo Tsuda, in cooperation with Japan Foundation, has donated 41 books to Katara Cultural Village on 29th of May, 2016 for the first time. Well-known Japanese literature novels, such as written by Yasunari Kawabata, who won the Nobel Prize for literature, were mainly selected among the book collection. Before the book donation, Ambassador Tsuda and Dr. Khalid Al-Sulaiti, the General Manager of Katara discussed the ways to further enhance Japanese culture among Qatari people. Ambassador Tsuda handed over the Encyclopedia of Japan translated into Arabic by Qatar University in cooperation with Marubeni Corporation, to Dr. Khalid Al-Sulaiti.

Ambassador Tsuda and Dr. Al-Sulaiti discussing ways to enhance cooperation between the Embassy of Japan and Katara	Ambassador Tsuda and Dr. Al-Sulaiti holding the Encyclopedia of Japan in Arabic language

 

May 14, “The 8th Annual Japanese Speech contest”was held at Qatar University

The Embassy of Japan and the Japanese Teachers’ Association in Qatar (JALTAQ) organized “The 8th Annual Japanese Speech Contest” on 14th May, 2016, at Qatar University. 25 Japanese language learners had an opportunity to present their language skills in front of approximately 145 audience. Several champions of previous took part in the 5 minutes free topic section, which became highly competitive. The contest was followed by “Rakugo”、a traditional form of Japanese comedy, as well as reception serving Washoku (Japanese cuisine), where participants and audience had mingled.

Ambassador Shingo Tsuda giving opening remarks	Mr. Salman Al-Khaldi, the winner of 5 minutes free topic section receiving certificate from Ambassador Shingo Tsuda. Prize is round trip tickets to Japan for two.
Participants waiting anxiously while waiting for their turn to speak	Rakugo, presented by a Japanese club member, Qatar University, made laugh among audience
Judging Panel	Group photo of Ambassador Shingo Tsuda, participants and sponsors

 

May 4, 2016 Japanese Book Donation to Tariq Bin Ziyad Independent Secondary School for Boys

Ambassador Shingo Tsuda, in cooperation with Japan Foundation, presented a collection of 75 books to Tariq Bin Ziyad Independent Secondary School for Boys. The collections include a huge variety of Japanese books with Japanese language textbooks, popular magazines covering young boys’ life styles in Japan, children’s books, manga and pop-culture. Following the event, the Japanese language and culture promotion programs were held at the auditorium of the school, which were designed to attract young students to be familiar with Japanese language and culture before selecting their second-optional language in next grade.

Mr. Hamad Al-Mannai, Principal of the Tariq Bin Ziyad Independent Secondary School for Boys and Ambassador, Mr. Shingo Tsuda	Ambassador Tsuda explained to Mr. Al-Mannai about Origami

 

April 28, 2016 Japanese Book Donation to Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar (VCUQ)

Ambassador Shingo Tsuda, in cooperation with Japan Foundation, has presented a variety of 62 Japan-related books to Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar (VCUQ) on 28th of April. The collections include Japanese books regarding Ukiyo-e (Japanese woodblock painting), architecture, traditional garden design, fashion, and pop-culture, which are related to VCUQ course of studies. Dr. Akel Kahera, Dean of VCUQ took part of the ceremony to extend his gratitude. The students who planned to visit Japan as a part of the art class also joined and showed excitement with the wide variety of donated books in hand.

Dr. Akel Kahera, Dean of VCUQ(Left), Ambassador Mr. Shingo Tsuda (Right)	The students who take the Japanese study tour also joined the ceremony

The delighted VCU students with donated books related to Japanese art and architecture, and pop culture

 

April 18, The 5th Qatar University Study Abroad Fair

The Embassy of Japan in the State of Qatar took part in the “the 5th Qatar University Study Abroad fair 2016”, which was organized by Qatar University on 18th of April, 2016. Many Qatari and foreign students showed strong interest to studying in Japan. The Embassy of Japan explained about the Japanese government scholarships as well as the “Global 30” program whereby the foreign students can study in English at undergraduate and master level.

Ambassador Shingo Tsuda talking in front of the Japanese booth with the President of Qatar University, Dr. Hassan Al-Dirham	Students showed interest to study in Japan
Graduate and undergraduate students visiting booths of different countries	Students inquiring about Global 30 universities in Japan.

 

April 17, Japanese Book Donation to Qatar International Academy for Security Studies (QIASS)

Ambassador Shingo Tsuda, in cooperation with Japan Foundation, donated a collection of 97 books to Qatar International Academy for Security Studies (QIASS). The collections included a variety of Japanese books, Kanji textbooks, knitting, cooking, flower art, and dictionaries, children’s books and manga, which were requested by the students of Japanese language class at QIASS.

Mr. Martin Reardon (QIASS Senior Director), Ambassador Shingo Tsuda, Mr. Don Mikel (Language School Director), and Ms. Midori Mizuno (Japanese Language Teacher)	A variety of Japanese books including language text books, crafts, and magazines

 

March 24 - 26, 9th FIG World Challenge Cup Artistic Gymnastics

Three Japanese gymnasts Mr. Hikaru Sato, Mr. Daiki Yorogo, and Mr. Fuya Maeno took part in the “9th FIG World Challenge Cup Artistic Gymnastics” was held at Aspire Dome, between March 24 and 26, 2016. Mr. Maeno won gold medal in the high bar. They played in front of a cheering Japanese local community audience including Ambassador and Mrs. Tsuda .

Mr. Maeno in the Men’s high bar competition	Mr. Maeno was awarded gold medal at the Men’s high bar

 

March 15, The fifth Universities and Employment Fair

The Embassy of Japan in Qatar took part in the “Fifth Universities and Employment Fair” which was organized by Al-Wakra Independent Secondary School for Boys and the Department of Academic Guidance, Ministry of Education and Higher Education. HE Dr Mohamed Abdul Wahed Ali al-Hammadi, Ministry of Education and Higher Education and Ambassador Shingo Tsuda were toured the booth. Many students visited the embassy’s booth and were eager to know about studying in Japan, especially in fields of engineering, medicine and computer science. Also, students showed their interest in various scholarship programmes offered by the Japanese government and universities.

Ambassador Shingo Tsuda toured the booth along with H.E. Dr. Al-Hammadi, Minister of Education and Higher Education	Answering questions from the students
Mr. Ahmed Al-Buainin, Director of school’s Board of trustees(left), Ambassador Shingo Tsuda(middle), Mr. Muhammed Al-Emadi, Principal of the Al-Wakra Independent Secondary School for Boys(right)	Students visiting the fair

 

March 6“The Mourning Forest” by Japanese director Naomi Kawase showcased

Qumra Film Festival organized by Doha Film Institute was held at Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) between March 4 and March 9, 2016. On March 6, the Grand Prix award winning film at the 2007 Cannes film festival "the Mourning Forest" by Japanese director Naomi Kawase was screened. Among those present was Ambassador Shingo Tsuda, along with dozens of filmmakers and film lovers.

Ambassador Shingo Tsuda(second from left), Director Naomi Kawase (second from right) and DFI CEO Fatma Al Rumaihi(right)	Director Naomi Kawase, answering questions from the audience

Director Naomi Kawase’s speaking before the film started

February 24, 2016 “Animation workshop” at Qatar University

On 24th February, 2016, Animation workshop on “How to Draw Japanese Anime”, the third in its series of events was held at Qatar University under the joint collaboration between Qatar University and Marubeni Corporation. The workshop was conducted by London-based layout artist and animator Ms. Aya Suzuki who demonstrated some excerpts from the world-famous animated movies she has been engaged in, such as “Wolf Children Ame and Yuki” and “the Wind Rises”. The event was presided over by Dr. Darwish Al Emadi, Vice President for Research, Qatar University, Dr. Eiman Mustafawi, Dean for the College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University and Mr. Masataka Kuramoto, Regional CEO for the Middle East and Africa, Marubeni Corporation as well as Ambassador Mr. Shingo Tsuda. It was also attended by a large number of University students and anime lovers.

Ambassador Shingo Tsuda made a speech in opening session	Many enthusiastic students attended the Anime Workshop
Ms.Aya Suzuki unveiling the secrets behind anime making	Japanese and Qatari students chaired the workshop in both Japanese and Arabic.

February 5 - 15 Kashiwa Reysol participated in Al Kass International Cup 2016 (U-17)

“Al Kass International Cup (U-17) 2016 ” was held at Aspire Zone in Doha from February 5 to 15, featuring some of the world’s famous football clubs (under 17) from 12 countries such as Real Madrid (Spain), Paris Saint-Germain (France). While Kashiwa Reysol, representing Japan, landed in 5th place being defeated against Aspire Football Dream(Qatar) which won the tournament, they played evenly among the best teams in the world. Ambassador Shingo Tsuda also visited and encouraged the young players.

Kashiwa Reysol’s starting players	Ambassador Tsuda greeting the Reysol coach, Mr.Nunobe

 

January 12 – 30, AFC U23 Championship Qatar 2016 (Asian qualification tournament for the Rio de Janeiro Olympics)

“AFC U23 Championship Qatar 2016 (Asian qualification tournament for the Rio de Janeiro Olympics) ” was held in Doha from January 12th to 30th and teams from 16 countries competed to win the right to participate in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games. The Japanese national team won 3 straight games against DPR Korea, Thailand and Saudi Arabia in the group stage, and in the quarter-finals and semi-finals, Japan defeated both Iraq and Iran and were qualified for the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. In the final, the Republic of Korean national team scored the first two goals, however Japan realized a dramatic come-from-behind victory over the Republic of Korea (3-2) and won the AFC U23 Asian Championship. Many Japanese residents in Qatar and supporters from Japan came to the stadium and cheered for “the Samurai Blue”.

A dramatic came-from-behind victory for Japan over the Republic of Korea	Japan won the AFC U23 Asian Championship
Japanese players greeting supporters after the game	Supporters celebrating the victory of Japan
Celebrating with the trophy	Players proudly showing their gold medals with big smile