Japan’s Ambassador to Qatar, H E Naoto Hisajima. Pictures: Salim Matramkot / The Peninsula
Doha, Qatar: As part of Georgetown University in Qatar’s (GU-Q) Ambassador Speaker Series, Japan’s Ambassador to Qatar, H E Naoto Hisajima, delivered a lecture titled “From the Frontlines of Japanese Diplomacy: Cooperation with Qatar and Global Missions,” offering an in-depth look at Japan’s growing strategic engagement with Qatar and the wider region, yesterday.
Drawing on nearly four decades of experience in Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Hisajima described how Japan’s diplomacy is anchored in purposeful partnerships and sustained people-to-people ties. “Diplomacy is not limited to formal institutions,” he said. “It thrives through authentic relationships that deepen mutual understanding.”
The event opened with remarks from GU-Q Dean Dr. Safwan M Masri, who underscored the historical depth of the bilateral relationship. Referencing a Japanese expression, he noted that “every encounter is a minor miracle… even if the same people gather again, the exact constellation of time, place, and feeling never returns.” Dr. Masri highlighted milestones from energy cooperation to humanitarian assistance and praised Japan’s contributions to regional stability.
In his keynote, Ambassador Hisajima outlined the multi-tiered political framework that shapes Qatar–Japan cooperation, including summit-level meetings, discussions between the leadership of both countries, foreign ministers’ dialogues, and foreign policy consultations.
He noted that the most recent discussions in July 2023 saw both countries advance coordination in “energy, trade, investment, tourism, security, and other international affairs.” These layers of engagement, he said, have helped define the two nations as “strategic partners” committed not only to bilateral issues but also to regional peace and security.
Defence collaboration has also expanded. Hisajima pointed to military-to-military dialogue and the recent port call of the Japanese destroyer Murasame in Doha.
On the economic front, he highlighted Japan’s longstanding role in Qatar’s infrastructure development from the Doha Metro and Hamad International Airport to major power and desalination projects. “Japan was the first country to import Qatar’s LNG in 1997,” he said. “Since then, Qatar has been a reliable supplier and partner.”
People-to-people engagement remains a critical pillar, strengthened through direct flights, educational exchanges, and cultural showcases such as the Qatar Pavilion at Expo Osaka, which welcomed over two million visitors. Rising travel numbers between the two countries, he said, reflect growing mutual curiosity and cultural affinity.
The Ambassador also reflected on Japan’s broader global diplomacy, outlining its long-term support for Palestine and Syria. Japan, he noted, has provided “$2.6bn in assistance to Palestine since 1993,” and continues to support humanitarian and reconstruction needs.
He praised Qatar’s mediation efforts, saying, “In spite of tragic incidents, Qatar continues its mediation role. That is very impressive to me.”
Looking ahead, Ambassador Hisajima sees significant potential for deeper academic and research cooperation, citing growing interest among Japanese and Qatari students in Middle Eastern and Asian studies.
“There are many opportunities for Japan and Qatar to work together,” he said. “The possibilities for academic, cultural, and diplomatic collaboration are very bright.”
Ambassador Hisajima also took part in Q&A session moderated by Associate Professor of History at GU-Q, Dr. Waleed Ziad. Following the lecture guests also experienced a celebration of Japanese heritage, featuring cuisine, traditional drumming, kendo demonstrations, calligraphy, a tea ceremony, origami, and more.
