Minister of Transport H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Thani and Japan’s Ambassador H E Naoto Hisajima cut the cake to celebrate the 66th birthday of H M Emperor Naruhito. PIC: Ahmed Barakat/The Peninsula
Doha, Qatar: Japan and Qatar’s ties continue to deepen across diplomacy, defence, investment and people-to-people exchanges, Japan’s Ambassador to Qatar H E Naoto Hisajima said at a reception in Doha yesterday, marking the 66th birthday of H M Emperor Naruhito.
Addressing guests, including Minister of Transport H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Thani, the ambassador described the occasion as a celebration not only of the Emperor’s birthday but also “the enduring bridge of friendship that connects Japan and Qatar.”
Hisajima highlighted several major milestones over the past year, including the third Japan-Qatar Strategic Dialogue, a new long-term LNG purchase agreement between Japan’s JERA and QatarEnergy, and the Osaka-Kansai Expo, which he said attracted more than 25 million visitors and brought the two countries closer. The ambassador also noted the visits of senior Qatari officials to Japan for the Expo, calling it “far more than an exhibition; it was a powerful catalyst for the deepening friendship between our two countries.”
He said the momentum from the Expo would continue with upcoming global events, including the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya this year and the International Horticultural Expo in Yokohama in 2027, expressing confidence that “this landmark year will yield fruit of closer cooperation for decades to come.”
Beyond these headline developments, Hisajima pointed to expanding defence and economic ties.
He noted that the two countries held the second Japan-Qatar Military-to-Military Dialogue in Tokyo last September, and that Japan’s Chief of the Joint Staff made the first official visit to Qatar by a holder of that post in November.
In the investment sector, he said new capital from the Qatar Investment Authority had recently been directed to Japan. “I hope that this will stimulate the bilateral economy,” the ambassador said, adding that Japan’s economy has “huge potential for future growth” and an attractive investment environment. He encouraged more Qatari investors to explore opportunities through government initiatives such as the “Program for Promotion of Foreign Direct Investment in Japan 2025” and the “Invest in Japan” programme.
Sporting exchanges were also highlighted, with the ambassador noting Japan’s successes in Qatar last year. “Men’s table tennis doubles pair won the gold medal in May — the first gold for 64 years — and women’s padel team became the first Asian champion in October,” he said. He also expressed anticipation for the FIFA World Cup, wishing success to both Japan’s “Samurai Blue” and Qatar’s Al-Annabi.
Emphasising the human dimension of bilateral ties, Hisajima said, “The heart of our relationship remains our people-to-people exchange.”
He noted growing interest among Qatari visitors to Japan and recalled the support extended by Qatar to Japan after the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, saying many Japanese still remember the “heartful hands of help” from the Qatari people.
Reflecting on his time in the country, the ambassador said he had travelled widely across Qatar and met many residents, describing the reception as “one of those precious encounters.” He also drew attention to cultural displays at the event, including tea ceremonies, Japanese food and crafts, and performances by Qatar Philharmonic members wearing kimonos.
Closing his remarks, Hisajima expressed hopes for the continued prosperity of both nations. “May Japan and the State of Qatar continue to enjoy a future of prosperity and success,” he said.
