By Dipti Nair

Since his arrival in Qatar, H.E. Ambassador Naoto Hisajima has been actively engaging with the local community, deepening the bonds between Japan and Qatar, and exploring the cultural and diplomatic landscape of the Middle East. In this exclusive interview, the Ambassador shares his first impressions of Qatar, insights into the strong and multifaceted relationship between the two nations, and the Embassy’s ongoing efforts to support the Japanese community and foster cultural exchange. He also offers a glimpse into the exciting upcoming Expo 2025 Osaka and reflects on the fascinating contrasts and connections between life in Japan and Qatar.

Watch the full interview:

What were your expectations of Qatar before you arrived, and how have your impressions changed since being here?
I had never been in Qatar before coming here. I arrived here about three months ago, and my images of Qatar had been, one was, FIFA 2022 World Cup hosting of the International football cup. And, another one was the mediation diplomacy of Qatar, particularly in Gaza.
And, after arriving here in Qatar, those images of mine have been reinforced, reaffirmed.
In fact, for example, I visited the Khalifa International Stadium where the Japanese national football team won admirable matches in the 2022 World Cup.
And also, just after I arrived, the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, the deal was struck due to the tireless efforts by the government in Qatar and other parties concerned.

How large is the Japanese expatriate community in Qatar?
There are approximately 600 Japanese nationals now living in Qatar. The size decreased a little after the COVID-19 pandemic and completion of projects of the FIFA World Cup.
But after that, the number has stayed steady, and we are happy to have those Japanese communities here in Qatar.

What services or support does the Embassy provide to Japanese citizens living in Qatar?
We provide those Japanese communities with a wide range of consular services, including, for example, passport renewals or issuing documents like certificates, and if need be, consular protection and emergency assistance. And we share with them information regarding events related to Japan. Also, we — the Embassy has a close contact with the Japan Society, which is the umbrella group of the Japanese nationals.

Can you provide insights into the current state of bilateral relations between Japan and Qatar?
Japan and Qatar have a very close relationship and Qatar has been and continues to be a reliable supplier of energy, notably LNG. And also, in addition to the relation in the field of energy, trade, investment, is very active between the two countries.
And also political and  defense aspect are other fields of active relationship.
We have had the regular bilateral talks between foreign authority, foreign ministries and the foreign minister, the defense ministries. And the last year, in addition, the Japanese Self-Defense force, maritime Self-Defense force destroyer made a call at the Doha port.
Also in cultural and educational area, there are many exchanges of people between the two countries in both ways.

Are there any specific initiatives or programs you’re planning to launch during your tenure to strengthen cultural ties between Japan and Qatar?
In terms of cultural relations, we have been already doing various activities.
And, during my tenure, I hope that I will redouble those efforts.
Examples like the Japanese speech contest, which was held just one or two weeks ago,  I was impressed with the devotion of each contestant learning the Japanese language.
And there was a program of Japanese government-sponsored scholarship program — studying in Japan for Qatari students. And we support also the government initiative education program of Japanese summer camp in Japan. And we also invite the journalists and the other influencers to Japan.
So a variety of activities to enable cultural exchange and people-to-people exchange.
And I hope I will try my best to make those programs even more active and hope to start something.

Tell us about Expo 2025 Osaka.

Expo 2025 Osaka will start in April and continue until October for a period of half a year.
I’m certain that the visitors to Expo will face the future services, systems, and goods, which will show what the future will look like. And I expect and I hope that many people from Qatar will visit the Expo, particularly the young people and children who will be next generation — the leaders of tomorrow — to feel directly about the future.
Because the future belongs to those youngsters.

What’s one thing about life in Qatar that you find most different from Japan? And what’s something surprisingly similar?
Well, Friday as a workday.
And every Sunday as weekly.

Was it a different transition, is it  difficult to work on a Sunday?
It’s not difficult, but I needed some time to get used to it.

What is the most fascinating part of the Middle East for you?
Culture as a whole, particularly culture nurtured above the surface of desert.
But also different climate and nature from Japan.

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