Ambassador Hisajima hosted Ms. Kawther Alkhawaja from Qatar, the winner of the first "Sakura Photo Challenge" held from March 20th to April 30th, at the Embassy. He presented her with a certificate of commendation and Japanese gifts. Her winning photograph showcased a beautiful harmony between the night view of Roppongi Hills in Tokyo and cherry blossoms in full bloom, earning her first place among around 30 submissions.
The "Sakura Photo Challenge" aimed to share the beauty of Japan with people in Qatar through sakura, a symbol of Japanese spring. This online event invited Qatar residents who visited Japan during the cherry blossom season (March-April) to share their memorable sakura photos on Instagram.
On May 5, the Embassy of Japan visited Al Khor Primary School for Girls and Al Dhakira Model School for Boys to present children’s artwork from Asa, Hiroshima City. This artwork was entrusted to the Embassy by the Asa Community Center Qatar Association.
In return, artwork created by students from the two schools in Al Khor will be delivered to the association to be publicly exhibited for the citizens of Hiroshima.
（Note: When the 12th Asian Games were held in Hiroshima in the fall of 1994, the city initiated the “One Community Center, One Country” campaign, under which Asa was designated to support the State of Qatar. To promote continued exchange, the Asa Community Center Qatar Association was established in July 1996. Since then, schools in Asa and Qatar have maintained a long-standing cultural exchange through children’s artwork.）
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| Handing over children’s artwork from Asa to Al Khor Primary School for Girls |
Handing over children’s artwork from Asa to Al Dhakira Model School for Boys |
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| Receiving children’s artwork from Al Khor Primary School for Girls |
Receiving children’s artwork from Al Dhakira Model School for Boys |
On March 3rd, Ambassador Hisajima attended a PR event for Miyazaki Wagyu Beef held at BLUFEIN in Lusail.
The event was held by Miyazaki Prefecture to promote the recognition and market development of Miyazaki Wagyu Beef in Qatar. A seminar and tasting session were organized for buyers and restaurant professionals, showcasing the high quality of Miyazaki Wagyu Beef, while also providing an opportunity for business negotiations.
In his speech, Ambassador Hisajima expressed his hopes that trade and business ties between Japan and Qatar would continue to strengthen.
Ambassador Hisajima’s remarks |
Miyazaki wagyu Beef |
The tasting menu of Miyazaki Wagyu Beef |
On February 18th, the Japanese Embassy, with Mr. Koji Iio, a Japanese language senior specialist from the Japan Foundation, Cairo held a study and consultation session titled "New Forms of Japanese Language Education - Teaching Methods Utilizing the Strengths of 'Irodori'" at the multipurpose hall of the Japanese Embassy.
On the day, 12 Japanese residents in Qatar who teach Japanese to foreigners or who wish to teach in the future participated and listened intently to the lecturer. After the session, the participants actively exchanged information, making it a very lively event.
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On February 15, the Embassy of Japan in Qatar, in collaboration with the Japanese Language Teachers Association in Qatar (JALTAQ), hosted the 16th Japanese Speech Contest at Qatar University with the aim of promoting the Japanese language and its education in Qatar. A total of 26 participants, ranging from beginners to advanced learners, took part in the event, showcasing their achievements in Japanese language learning through readings and speeches on various topics. The winner of the most challenging Category C was Amnah Owais, a Pakistani, who delivered a speech titled “Into the Virtual World!” Following the speeches, there was a presentation and quiz session about the Chubu region located in the center of the Japanese archipelago, led by Takao Kutsukake, Secretary-General of the Japan-Qatar Friendship Association who visited Doha on this occasion from the Chubu region. In a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, nearly 130 participants and audience gathered, further deepening their understanding of the Japanese language and culture.
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| From rifht, Ambassador Hisajima, category C winner Ms. Amna Owais, and one of the event sponsors: Ms. Miyabe (Japan Airlines Co., Ltd.) |
A participant giving a speech |
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| Judging Panel |
Presentation by Mr. Takao Kutsukake |
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| Group photo |
On January 21, Ambassador Hisajima welcomed at the Embassy a delegation from Onawgawa town in Miyagi prefecture, including six Junior High School students and the chairman of the Board of Education, who were visiting Qatar. Onagawa Town, which was severely damaged in the Great East Japan Earthquake, constructed new elementary and junior high school building with reconstruction assistance from the “Qatar Friendship Fund”.
The six students introduced their school life in the new building and the current situation of Onagawa Town. During their visit to Qatar, the students visited Qatar Development Fund, Qatar University, Ahmed bin Hanbal Boys High School and Qatar Academy Al Hall School, and had cultural exchange with Qatari students in Japanese and English.
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| Ambassador Hisajima welcoming the Delegation |
Visit of Ahmed Bin Hanbal School for Boys |
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| Visit of Qatar Fund For Development |
Students explaining about their new school and Town |
On January 15, Ambassador Hisajima and Mrs. Hisajima hosted a New Year's celebration for Japanese residents in Qatar at the Park Hyatt Doha Hotel. In his opening remarks, Ambassador Hisajima mentioned Qatar's pavilion at EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai and last year's direct flight by Japan Airlines, and said he would work hard to further promote exchanges between the two countries. On this occasion, more than 110 Japanese from various industries gathered to enjoy New Year's dishes prepared by the chef at the ambassador's residence.
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| Ambassador Hisajima and Mrs. Hisajima welcoming guests |
Ambassador Hisajima addressing his remarks |
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| Toast by Mr. Mori, Chairman of the Japanese Society in Qatar |
Many Japanese residents enjoying traditional new year dishes |
