Hisashi Michigami, the Consul General (CG) of Japan in Dubai.
Japan is coming back to the Middle East: Consul General
Published: Sun 16 Oct 2016, 10:17 AM
Updated: Sun 16 Oct 2016, 12:26 PM
With the economic and cultural ties between Japan and the UAE reaching an all-time high, Hisashi Michigami, the Consul General (CG) of Japan in Dubai is on a mission to further enhance ties between the two countries.
"My mission here is to make Japan fully known to the UAE, and at the same time, let the UAE be known in Japan in all fields especially business, culture, education and tourism," Michigami told Khaleej Times.
Tourism from the UAE to Japan has picked up in a major way. The CG says, "There is a big increase in tourists from the UAE. More than 10,000 tourists (UAE nationals as well as residents) visited Japan during 2015. The number has doubled in two years and tripled in the last four years."
| In Japan, parents tell children, "Do not be defeated" rather than saying, "Beat somebody". It is not important to win or beat rivals. It is very important to overcome a difficult situation, or to overcome oneself. This is our traditional thinking, which is a bit different from the West. |
Japan is eyeing more tourists from the Middle East. "In major Japanese cities like Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, etc., you can find a lot of halal restaurants as well as prayer rooms in some hotels, airports, train stations, etc. For travellers, we have information available online in both English and Arabic. I hope these efforts will further increase the number of tourists from the UAE," he noted.
Japan enjoys a positive image in the Middle East in terms of its natural beauty - cherry blossom (sakura), autumn coloured leaves, landscape, etc. - apart from clean and organised society, kind people and advanced technology.
Michigami said: "Japan is coming back to the Middle East. Thirty-five to 40 years ago we had a big Japanese presence in this region. Over time, our presence may not have been very impressive but in the recent years things have begun to look up. Dubai and the UAE are seeking 'Green and Sustainable Development' with an increased focus on health, environment and safety. These are the strong points of Japan. I am sure business and technology can make a big contribution to Dubai and the UAE. In terms of excellent quality, Japan has much more to offer other than automobiles and sushi. We have dozens of newly opened Japanese businesses and stores in Dubai."
"We have had very good relationship with the UAE since early days of the country's formation. These ties were further strengthened by mutual visits recently by top leaders," he added.
The Consulate General of Japan hosts various events to familiarise people with Japanese culture. "Our culture has two both traditional and ultra-modern aspects of Japan. Manga or animation, eg: Captain Majid or Dragon Ball has been so popular around the world. Plus we host events such as design technology of kimono attire event, tea ceremony, and martial arts events at schools or universities. These are very popular."
Equating the proposed Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics in 2020 with Expo 2020 being held in Dubai, the CG called the events epoch-making for both countries. "These two major global events will boost both nations and will be a trigger to strengthen the bilateral cooperation," Michigami concluded.
- sadiq@khaleejtimes.com
| Longevity in Japan (average life span of men is 81 and women 87) is primarily because of three reasons: national insurance policy (everyone can have the same medical care), school system (emphasis on exercise and self-discipline from an early age), and mutual support in the community (urban and rural areas people stand for each other in the society). |
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