On December 9, Ambassador Hisajima attended a PR event for Japanese fruits and vegetables at the Four Seasons Hotel Doha, organized by The Japan Fruit and Vegetable Export Promotion Council. The tasting event showcased the finest Japanese fruits and vegetables, aiming to increase their popularity in Qatar.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Hisajima expressed his hope for expanding the distribution of high-quality and safe Japanese fruits and vegetables in Qatar. He looked forward to increase bilateral trade and business exchanges between the two countries through this event.
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| Ribbon Cutting Ceremony |
Ambassador Hisajima’s remarks |
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| Japanese Fruits and Vegetables were introduced |
Group Photo |
Qatar Travel Mart 2024 was held at DECC in Doha from November 25 to 27, 2024, and the Embassy exhibited a Japan booth in cooperation with the Dubai office of the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO). In order to promote tourism to Japan and introduce Japanese culture, the booth stocked and distributed tourism brochures and information magazines Niponica, and actively conveyed various information about Japan's attractions and travel to visitors. Ambassador Naoto Hisajima visited the Japan booth on the opening day and interacted with visitors.
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| Japanese booth |
Ambassador Hisajima (2nd left), Mr. Kobayashi; JNTO Dubai Office Executive Director (left), Mr. Saito; Japan Airline Vice President & Regional Manager Doha (2nd right), Mr. Atsumi; TSUNAGARU. COO |
The Embassy of Japan hosted a Japanese cultural event at the Hyatt Plaza Shopping Mall. After speeches by Mr. Feroz Moideen, CEO of Hyatt Plaza, and Ambassador Maeda, many children gathered to watch a karate show by Empower Sports Club, an origami workshop, and calligraphy by Japanese volunteers living in Qatar. In the second half of the event, Japanese artist Kimusubi, who introduced Mizuhiki, and silsil, who performed live painting, joined in, and the room was filled with excitement as the multi-faceted introduction to Japanese culture was presented.
On October 21, 2024, Ambassador Maeda hosted a reception at the official residence. The event brought together 17 individuals, including former Qatari students who have studied in Japan and Japanese students currently residing in Qatar. Attendees engaged in lively discussions about their experiences in each other's countries, shared fond memories, and exchanged tips on language learning. The event featured a variety of Japanese delicacies, including Sakura mochi, dorayaki, and yakisoba bread, prepared by the residence's chef, creating a delightful atmosphere for all.
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Qatari guests greeting in Japanese
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The conversation was lively in a relaxed atmosphere.
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Group photo
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On September 17, 2024, Mrs. Touko Maeda graciously hosted a tea ceremony workshop at the Ambassador's Residence, led by the volunteer Mrs. Miki Okamoto. The guests, captivated by Japanese tea culture and matcha preparation techniques, eagerly engaged in the workshop, while enjoying the sakura mochi and other traditional Japanese sweets expertly prepared by the Ambassador's chef.
On 17 September, 2024, Ambassador Maeda received a courtesy visit at the embassy by Assistant Prof. Manami Goto and her four undergraduate students of Akita University’s Faculty of International Natural Resource Sciences, who are staying in Qatar as part of the “Resource Science Fieldwork Abroad”. During the courtesy visit, the students asked Ambassador Maeda questions on a wide range of topics including Qatar's energy, culture and society, leading to a lively exchange of views.
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| With Dr. Goto and her students |
As part of its Japan Promotion Project, the Embassy of Japan held a Japan-related presentation and an origami workshop for approximately 130 6th grade students at Doha British School. After the presentation, the children also had the opportunity to try on Kimono (Yukata). Students from all classes listened attentively to the presentation and enjoyed the workshop and trying on Kimono.
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| Enthusiastic students in the lecture about Japan |
On May 28, 2024, Ambassador Maeda hosted a social gathering at his residence for Qatari graduates from Japanese universities and for Japanese language lover. The participants shared their experiences of studying abroad, their impressions of Japan, and learning the Japanese language, and enjoyed a variety of rice balls and Japanese sweets prepared by the chef at the residence.
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| Sakura mochi |
Onigiri (rice ball) |
Ambassador Maeda visited Al-Khor Primary School for Girls and Al Dhakhira Elementary School for Boys, to donate the drawings and calligraphies of children in Asa-cho, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture, entrusted by the Qatar Association. The donation ceremony was attended by Mr. Toshihiro Mori, Managing Director of the Doha Office of Marubeni Corporation which has been supporting the activities of the Qatar Association for many years and is responsible for the exchange of paintings and calligraphy, as well as Mr. Hassan Al-Muhannadi, Qatar TV Anchor and Mr. Abdullah Al-Muraikhi, a member of Al Khor City Council.
（Note: When the “12th Asian Games” were held in Hiroshima in the fall of 1994, Hiroshima implemented the “One House, One Country” campaign, and Asa Town, Hiroshima Prefecture (then Hiroshima City), decided to support Qatar. The Asa Community Center Qatar Association was established in July 1996 to continue exchanges with Qatar and over the years, children's drawings have been exchanged between schools in Asa and Qatar.）
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| Ambassador Maeda (3rd right), Mrs. Maeda (4th right) and Mr. Mori of Marubeni Doha office (2nd right), Principal Jameela Alshemari (left) and the pupils of Al Khor School for Girls who showcased dancing |
Ambassador Maeda (left), Mr. Hassan Al-Muhannadi (2nd left) , and Mr. Abdulla Al Muraikhi (2nd right), Mr. Toshihiro Mori of Marubeni Doha office (right) handing over the art of a thousand paper cranes sent by Japanese children. |
The 33rd Doha International Book Fair was held from 9 to 18 May at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC) with the participation of the Embassy of Japan. With the aim to promote the Japanese culture in Qatar, the Japanese booth displayed various books on Japan and ukiyo-e prints, and hosted a number of activities such as origami workshops, calligraphy name-writing, kimono-clad panel photo shooting, and distributed brochures on sightseeing in Japan, learning Japanese, and studying in Japan. In addition, the cultural magazine Niponica and the Encyclopedia of Japan in Arabic were distributed.
A large number of visitors, especially families and students, visited the Japanese booth every day. The fact that many people picked up books on display, including manga, Japanese language textbooks and books on tourism and the Japanese traditional culture, showed the high level of interest in Japan and the Japanese culture in Qatar.
Ambassador Maeda attended the opening ceremony on May 9 and toured the exhibition venue together with Prime Minister and Foreign Minister H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Al-Thani and ambassadors from various countries.
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Visitors enjoying the Origami workshop and
Japanese calligraphy at the Japanese booth |
The Japanese booth was especially popular at the venue,
and there was always a crowd of people.
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On April 27, 2024, the Embassy of Japan hosted a "Let’s talk Japanese" at North Cafe in Lusail. This event was launched in an attempt to increase motivation by providing opportunities for people studying Japanese in Qatar to network and practice communicating in Japanese. On the day of the event, 12 applicants and 9 Japanese native speakers, including Japanese residents, attended and enjoyed a friendly atmosphere and conversations about anime and manga. After the event, participants actively interacted with each other by exchanging souvenir photos and contact information, and the event was very lively.
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Photo with participants and volunteers
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Ambassador Maeda and Mrs. Maeda visited the “Denjiro” Japanese Show – 4th Edition: Combination and Entertainment” held at the Early Childhood Center of Qatar University hosted by LNG JAPAN CORPORATION together with QatarEnergy LNG.
During his speech, Ambassador Maeda noted that this event will eventually contribute to the Qatar National Vision 2030, particularly its Human Development pillar, through assisting one of the goals of National Development Strategy 3 to increase the percentage of graduates in STEM fields.
The event saw the attendance of a large number of children who enjoyed science experiment shows, including “Air cannon experiment” and “Mysterious Experiment with Light and Shadow”
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The Denjiro Yonemura Science Show in action
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Kids enjoying the Denjiro Yonemura Science Show
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Ambassador's speech
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On 18 February, a meeting on Women, Peace and Security (WPS) in Afghanistan, co-chaired by Japan and the United Kingdom, was held at the Japanese Embassy in Qatar.
The meeting was attended by officials from the governments of Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, the Republic of Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Spain and the United States. Japan was represented by Ambassador Maeda Satoshi and Ms. Takahashi Misako, Deputy Director-General and Deputy Special Representative for Afghanistan.
Participants affirmed the importance of promoting WPS in Afghanistan not only in the area of security but also in various areas including economic and social life, and as one of the key elements in the international community's efforts to achieve peace and stability in the country.
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| Ms. Takahashi addressing the representatives |
Officials from the participating countries |
On February 17, the Embassy of Japan in Qatar, in cooperation with Japanese Language Teachers Association in Qatar (JALTAQ) and Qatar University, held the "15th Japanese Speech Contest" at Qatar University. On the day of the event, a total of 23 people, ranging from beginners to advanced Japanese speakers, participated and demonstrated the results of their daily Japanese learning through readings and speeches on free topics.
The winner of Category C, the most advanced class, was Nonato Javanna, a Filipina, who gave a speech entitled " Story from the Summer Holiday".
In addition, a karate demonstration was held by Empower Sport Center, and at the reception, participants enjoyed Japanese food and had a friendly exchange with the audience and staff.
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| From right, Ambassador Maeda, Category C winner Ms. Nonato and the 1st prize sponsor, Mr. Saito; Vice President and Regional Manager of Japan Airlines Doha Office. |
Competitor reading in category A |
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| Judging Panel |
Karate demonstration |
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| Japanese foods at the reception |
Group photo |
On January 25, Ambassador Maeda attended the opening ceremony of a Japanese seafood PR event organized by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) Dubai office at JUNKO Sushi & Japanese Dining restaurant in Doha. In his speech, Ambassador Maeda expressed his hope that the distribution of Japanese seafood, whose quality is recognized around the world, will be expanded in Qatar, leading to greater awareness of Japanese food culture and deepening trade relations. Until February 14, JETRO Dubai Office plans to carry out a promotional project in cooperation with three Japanese restaurants in Doha City to expand exports of Japanese seafood to Qatar.
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Ambassador Maeda's remarks
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High-quality Japanese seafood tasting held
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On January 23, 2024, the Embassy of Japan held an event to introduce the kimono at the Al Hikmah Square in the Katara Cultural Village. This event was held as part of the Katara Cultural Village's daily display of traditional costumes from participating countries to enliven the Asia Cup currently being held in Doha. The event was very lively, with many people waving to Japanese residents in kimono as they marched to the music of Japanese taiko drums, and taking photos with them.
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Ambassador Maeda and his wife cheered the event
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Japanese resident volunteers pose for the audience around the venue
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On January 22, Ambassador Maeda and his wife hosted a New Year's celebration for Japanese nationals residing in Qatar at the Grand Hyatt Doha Hotel. In his opening remarks, Ambassador Maeda touched on the success of the Japanese team in the 2022 World Cup, as well as Prime Minister Kishida's visit to Qatar last year, during which he and Emir Tamim elevated the bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership, and also spoke of the wide-ranging relations between the two countries in recent years.
More than 110 Japanese residents from various fields gathered that day and enjoyed sushi prepared by the Ambassador’s chef.
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Ambassador Maeda addressing his remarks.
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Guests gathered at the reception
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| Address by the staffs from the newly launched Japan Airline |
Ambassador’s chef serving delicious Sushi |
On January 20, 2024, the Embassy of Japan in collaboration with Japan Foundation, hosted a screening of the Japanese film Neko Ninja (directed by Takeshi Watanabe, 2017) at Katara Cultural Village. The event was hosted by Katara Cultural Village as part of an event showcasing the cultures of the participating countries on the occasion of the Asia Cup, which are taking place in Doha from January 12 to February 10. On the day of the event, a large number of people attended and it was very well received. Among the audience were students of Japanese and people interested in tourism in Japan, and they enthusiastically exchanged information on the spot.
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Ambassador Maeda and Ms. Mariam Al-Saad from Katara Cultural Village
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Many spectators visited the venue
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Ambassador and his wife in conversation with local high school Japanese language students
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On January 18, Ambassador Maeda participated in a promotional event for Japanese fruits and vegetables held by the Japan Fruits and Vegetables Export Promotion Council at JUNKO Sushi & Japanese Dining Restaurant in Doha. During the event, PR and business negotiations were conducted with the aim of raising awareness of Japanese fruits and vegetables in Qatar and increasing the volume of Japanese fruits and vegetables.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Maeda emphasized the high quality of Japanese fruits and vegetables and the company's commitment to safety, and expressed his hope to expand the distribution of Japanese fruits and other products in Qatar.
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Japanese strawberries, melons, grapes, apples etc. were introduced.
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Ambassador Maeda's remarks
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| Ambassador Maeda (3rd from right) and Mr. Hishinuma, Chairman of Japan fruit and vegetables Export Promotion Council (2nd from left) at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. |
On January 14, the Japan Day event was held at the Doha International Horticultural Expo. From the Japanese side, Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Mitsuo Takahashi, Member of the House of Representatives Manabu Sakai, Member of the House of Representatives Naoki Furukawa, Ambassador Maeda, people from the flower and landscaping industry involved in the operation of the Japan Pavilion, as well as Mr. Yasuhiro Senoma, Chairman of Yokohama City Council, representatives from Yokohama, Japan, the next host city of Expo in 2027 attended the event. Ambassador H.E. Bader Omar Al-Dafa and Secretary General Mr. Muhammad Ali Al-Khoori were present from the Qatari side.
Prior to the greetings from Parliamentary Vice-Minister Takahashi and Ambassador Maeda, Ambassador Al-Dafa was presented with Japanese apples in the design of the flags of both countries. The guests then toured the Japan Pavilion, which featured a variety of indoor and outdoor plants. An Ikebana performance using traditional Japanese bamboo and flowers was then conducted at the reception, where the attendees enjoyed the Japanese various flowers and flower culture as well as the food served by the Japanese restaurants in Qatar. .
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Ambassador Maeda delivering opening remarks
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Japanese apples with a pattern of the national flags of both countries were presented.
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Tour of the Japanese pavilion with the guests
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Ikebana (flower arrangement) performance
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