On December 13, Ambassador Sunaga participated in the Qatar Flag Relay 2019 for National Day cerebration. This year, the Qatar flag that traveled around Qatar will be passed on to the Qatar National team participating in the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics in 2020.
At Hamad International Airport (HIA), Ambassador Sunaga received the flag from H.E. Jassim Rashid Al-Buenain, Secretary General at Qatar Olympic Committee and handed over to Mohammed Saeed Al-Mesnad, Team Qatar Chef de Mission-Tokyo 2020, and it was then handed over to a pilot of Qatar Airways Japan flights to travel to Tokyo. At the same time, the Embassy promoted the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics in cooperation with the Doha Kimono Club at Hamad International Airport departure lobby. In addition to attracting the attention of travelers at the airport, it was featured in many newspapers and social media.
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| Ambassador Sunaga received the Qatar flag from HE Jassim Rashid Al-Buenain, Secretary General |
Ambassador Sunaga passed the flag to Qatar delegation head Mohammed Said Al Mesnad (from right; Ambassador Sunaga, HE Jassim Rashid Al-Buenain, Secretary General, Mohammed Saeed Al-Mesnad, Team Qatar Chef de Mission-Tokyo 2020) |
| Then the pilot who travel to Tokyo received the flag infront of the Japan flight |
| Kimono club show was held at HIA departure lobby attracting a lot of attention |
The Japanese Embassy exhibited at Hospitality Qatar 2019, which was held at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC) from October 12 to 14. Japanese tourism information featuring 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics using by brochures and videos attracted many participants. People showed their strong interests in visiting Japan, and enjoyed holding the Olympic and Paralympic mascots “Miraitowa and Someity” and taking pictures in kimono.
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| Audience showed their strong interests in visiting Japan |
The Embassy of Japan held a Kendo lecture and demonstrations at both the Hangul Nihongo Center and at the Tariq Bin Ziyad Secondarily School for Boys on October 12nd and 13rd. They were given by Kendo Master Mr. Ryo Arai to promote the spread of Japanese martial arts at the invitation of the Embassy. After the activities, Mr Arai took questions from the students.
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| Children showing interest in Kendo at Hangul Nihongo Center |
Touching Bamboo Sword by the participant |
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| Kendo demonstration in front of 130 students |
Students who enthusiastically ask questions after the lecture |
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| Group photo with the principal, Mr. Hamad Al-Mannai (center) and Kendo Master Mr. Ryo Arai (to the right of Mr. Mannai) |
The Embassy of Japan in Qatar held a Reiwa event for introducing Japanese culture. The event took place in the Laguna Mall. Reiwa is the name of the new era after the new emperor His Majesty Naruhito ascended the throne. Following the opening remarks by the Ambassador Kazuo Sunaga, there was a Kimono show by the Doha Kimono Club, an Ikebana demonstration by the instructor Kumika Sugiyama, and a Kendo demonstration by instructor Ryo Arai from the Greece and Kendo masters and children from Qatar. In addition, demonstrations of Japanese calligraphy and Ikebana attracted a large gathering of interested spectators.
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| Ambassador Kazuo Sunaga explaining the meaning of Reiwa |
The venue was filled with many spectators |
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| Japanese music by Mrs. Yasuko Kirita, Doha Kimono Club |
Mrs. Yukari Sunaga, the wife of Ambassador (center) and wives of Embassy staffs joined Kimono show. |
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| Kendo masters meditating before the Kendo demonstration begins |
Kendo “Kata” demonstration by Master Mr. Arai (left) |
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| Ikebana demonstration by Ms. Sugiyama |
Exhibition by the Ikebana Club |
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| Calligraphy was very popular and there was always a long line. |
On October 2, 2019, Ambassador Kazuo Sunaga hosted a welcoming reception for Japan’s National Athletics Team at his Residence. The athletes took part in the “IAAF World Athletics Championship Doha 2019.” Ambassador Sunaga and Mr. Hiroshi Yokokawa, President of the Japan Athletics Federation, spoke about the upcoming 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic games. The reception was joined by the Board members of the Japanese Community in Doha.
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| Ambassador Kazuo Sunaga (Front line 6th from the left), Mr. Hiroshi Yokokawa, President of the Japan Athletics Federation (Front line 7th from the left) and Mr. Masaru Sarukawa, President and the Board members of the Japanese Community in Doha (Front line 4th from the left) with the athletes and Japan community members in Doha |
Ambassador Kazuo Sunaga receiving a gift from Athlete Mr. Daichi Sawano |
Ambassador Seiichi Otsuka visited Tariq Bin Ziyad Independent Secondary School for Boys, which is currently the only independent school in Qatar that has Japanese language classes. He donated 37 Japanese related books including Japanese textbooks, literatures, and manga. He also sent a letter of commendation to the school’s principal, Mr. Hamad Al-Mannai for his continuous effort to maintain the friendship between Japan and Qatar through Japanese education.
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| Principal, Mr. Hamad Al-Mannai (left) and Ambassador Seiichi Otsuka (right) |
Donated Japanese textbook, Literature in Arabic, and Manga |
Ambassador of Japan to the State of Qatar, Seiichi Otsuka, visited Qatar Association of Asa town community, Hiroshima city, Hiroshima Prefecture. Asa town in Japan and Qatar have historical links. When the “12th Asian Games” was held in Hiroshima in 1994, Hiroshima carried out “one-town-one country support” project. It was decided at that time that Asa town would support the Qatari team. This relationship did not end with the Asian Games. The “Qatar Association in Asa" was established in July 1996 with the aim of maintaining friendship with the State of Qatar. Each time, the Asa community has come with pictures and calligraphies drawn and written by pupils from schools in Asa town.
| Ambassador Otsuka with members of the Association |
Doha American Women’s Association monthly meeting organized “Kimono” performance at the US Ambassador’s Residence, and Mrs. Haruhi Otsuka, the wife of Ambassador of Japan, expressed her thanks for the “Operation Tomodachi '' during the Great East Earthquake of Japan where the US Force extended physical assistance at that time, following by the remarks of Mrs. Mary Grant, the wife of the Head of Mission of the US Embassy in Qatar at the opening remarks. Mrs. Haruhi Otsuka also expressed her appreciation to those present for showing interest and understanding in Japanese culture. There were many inquires about kimonos, and they were very interested in them. Excitement reached its peak when the US ladies wore kimonos. The day ended with success.
| Mrs. Haruhi Otsuka and the wives of US diplomats(left)，Mrs. Mary Grant, the wife of the Head of Mission of the US Embassy in Qatar(right) |
The wife of Japan’s Ambassador Mrs. Haruhi Otsuka attended an event in which a Japanese kimono show was held at the International Women's Potluck Group Meeting in Qatar.
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| Introduction of Japanese culture “Kimono” |
Ambassador Seiichi Otsuka attended a science show by Denjiro Yoneyama Science Production Inc. sponsored by LNG Japan Corporation together with Qatar Gas at the Early Childhood Center in Qatar University. This project was conducted as part of the social contribution program of Japanese companies in Qatar, and it was a meaningful opportunity to introduce simplified chemistry and physics for the children and students who will be responsible for the future of Qatar.
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| The President of Qatar University Dr. Hassan Al Derham (2nd left) and Ambassador Seiichi Otsuka (2nd right) |
Mr. Hiroshi Kawahara, CEO of LNG Japan (center) |
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| Kids enjoying the Denjiro Yonemura Science Show |
The Embassy of Japan participated in the 8th College Fair at Al Wakra Independent Secondary School for Boys organized by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education and Al Wakra Independent School. Many students and their parents visited the Embassy’s booth showing their interest to study in Japan and inquiring about the scholarship system and school curriculum at the Japanese universities.
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| Students interested in Japan getting information from the Embassy's staff |
Qatari officials of educational sector visiting Japanese booth |
On 9th March, “The 9th Annual Japanese Speech Contest” was held at Qatar University organized by the Embassy of Japan, the Japanese Teachers’ Association in Qatar (JALTAQ) and Qatar University. 17 Japanese language learners presented their language skills in front of the audience. The winner of the free topic category went to Ms. Reem Baghdady (title “How I came to accept my hair”). Following the contest, Ambassador Otsuka handed the certificate of Honor to two people for their great contributions to the Embassy’s activities.
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| Ms. Reem Baghdady won the first prize of a round trip ticket to Japan. |
Contestants presenting a topic of his own |
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| Judges and audience carefully listening to the speeches. |
Ambassador Seiichi Otsuka (right) honoring Mr. Ali Al-Mohannadi (center), and Ms. Mariam Ahmed (left) |
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| Group photo of participants, sponsors, judges and organizers. |
On 2nd March, the Embassy of Japan organized “Wagyu seminar” together with the Japan Wagyu Beef Export Promotion Committee at the Ritz-Carlton Doha Hotel. Following the opening remarks by Ambassador Seiichi Otsuka, the President of the Japan Wagyu Export Promotion Committee Toshiaki Namba explained the characteristic qualities that differentiate Wagyu from other beef. Chef Yasushi Fukuda and Takeyasu Godo demonstrated the process of cutting meat Fillet and Rib eye to prepare the exquisite dishes of Wagyu. During the event, Wagyu assorted dishes were offered to the attendees among whom were journalists, Qatari government officials, Chamber of Commerce officials, meat importing companies, chefs from Doha’s restaurants and hotels who expressed their admiration for the deliciousness, softness and rich sweet aroma of the Japanese Wagyu.
| Attendees of the Wagyu seminar |
| Chef Yasushi Hukuda and Takeyasu Godo introducing the cooking techniques |
| Wagyu beef is know for the special aroma and its tenderness |
Mrs. Haruhi Otsuka, the wife of the Ambassador, participated in the Charity Bazar organized by “Al Hiba” charity organization, which works under Sheikha Leena Bint Nasser bin Khalid Al-Thani, the Executive Director of Al Hiba Branch and Vice Chairman of Nasser bin Khalid Al-Thani charitable Institution. On 20th February, Mrs. Ambassador took the wives of Ambassadors’ spouses and took female Ambassadors and Director of an International Organization on 17th June. Al Hiba Qatar organizes a charity bazar, which contains a collection of works of Art, Gifts, Handcraft, Ladies Fashion, Pastries and Sweets, which go to distressed patients, virtuous families and orphans.
| Sheikha Leena Bint Nasser bin Khalid Al-Thani and Mrs. Haruhi Otsuka on 20th February |
| Female Ambassadors and Director of an International Organization on 17th June |
Mrs. Haruhi Otsuka, the wife of the Ambassador, visited the Orphan Care Center ‘Dreama’ with the members of the ‘SOHOM’, comprising spouses of foreign Ambassadors accredited to Qatar, to learn about the services offered by the Centre. The delegation was also briefed on the Centre’s services being offered to the orphans, including legal, social, educational, medical and matrimonial services meeting the fostering requirements. She also visited facilities for the homeless such as house, educational space and library.
| Mrs. Haruhi Otsuka holding a baby whose parents are imprisoned with the wives of Ambassadors of Algeria and Indonesia |
Sitting on the sofa made by old soft toys. |
Ambassador of Japan to the State of Qatar, Seiichi Otsuka, received Qatar Association of Asa town community, Hiroshima city at his residence. Asa town in Japan and Qatar have historical links. When the “12th Asian Games” was held in Hiroshima in 1994, Hiroshima carried out “one-town-one country support” project. It was decided at that time that Asa town would support the Qatari team. This relationship did not end with the Asian Games. The “Qatar Association in Asa" was established in July 1996 with the aim of maintaining friendship with the State of Qatar. The Asa community visited Qatar three times by far. Each time, the Asa community has come with pictures and calligraphies drawn and written by pupils from schools in Asa town.
| Ambassador Seiichi Otsuka (third from the right), Mr. Toshiaki Hato, Managing Director of Doha Office of Marubeni Corporation (second from the left) |
The Embassy of Japan participated cultural event on International Fair held at Qatar Finland International School. At the booth, Japanese toys such as Origami, character masks, Daruma Otoshi (wooden toy) as well as food sample, Kimono, and promotion video on Japan were showcased and demonstrated. Kendama and calligraphy demonstration were particularly popular to attain many pupils and students visiting the Japanese booth.
| Pupils and Students enjoying Kendama, Daruma Otoshi and calligraphy |
Mrs. Haruhi Otsuka, the wife of Ambassador, invited the spouses of some Qatari high-ranking officials and the spouses of foreign residents in Qatar to the Ambassador’s residence and introduced Japanese traditional culture and cuisine for the New Year Season. They enjoyed the atmosphere of festival decorations, which were neatly displayed at the residence that include Kadomatsu (bamboo decoration for entrance), Jade Balls, and Paper Kites. The guests particularly enjoyed the Japanese New Year’s cuisine Zouni (rice cake in soup) amongst other traditional Japanese seasonal cuisine "Osechi". All women were pleased with New Year Soup “Zouni”.
| Mrs. Haruhi Otsuka and the guests on 26th January, 2019.(The fourth from the right) |
| 26th January, the guests enjoyed the New Year season and were attracted by bamboo decoration at the residence’s entrance, Jade ball, Kite, seasonal cuisine and Zouni (Rice cakes in soup). |
| Zouni |
Kadomatsu(Bamboo decoration) |
Tama-Sudare(Jade-Ball) |
| Kagami-Mochi(Rice Cakes) |
Kite |
Tama-Sudare(Jade ball) |
