Japanese Ambassador H.E. Jota Yamamoto Address on 64th Birthday of Emperor Naruhito in Oman

On the occasion of the birthday of His Majesty Emperor Naruhito of Japan, I would like to express our sincere appreciation to His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and the people of Oman and wish for continued success and prosperity of our bilateral relations.

Japan got off to a difficult start of Year 2024 with an earthquake in the Noto Peninsula. During this difficult time, we are all comforted by the thoughtful words from the world, which give us the courage to move towards recovery and reconstruction. I would like to take this opportunity to show my sincere gratitude for your support.

On the fifth anniversary of the accession of His Majesty last year, Their Majesties Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako paid a State Visit to the Republic of Indonesia. It was Their Majesties’ first goodwill visit after ascending the throne and showed their enthusiasm to work in the international arena.

Thirty years ago in 1994, Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress, then Crown Prince and Crown Princess made their first official overseas trip, including Oman. The long-standing relationship between the Imperial Family of Japan and the Royal Family of Oman was further cemented by their visit, and I am confident that it will last in the years to come.

Last year, we witnessed growing bilateral interactions in various sectors. A visit by Yamada Miki, former State Minister of Environment and Secretary-General of the Japan-Oman Parliamentary Friendship Association, was a symbolic event to demonstrate our diversified connections.

We cannot discuss Japan-Oman relations without referring to our economic ties. A number of Japanese delegations visited Oman aiming for business opportunities in February and March and a Japan-Oman business mission was also organised. We are privileged to announce some of the business will materialise shortly.

Collaborative tourism sector activities between the two countries have also been evolving these days. Saud Bahwan Group is now working in full swing to open a renowned Japanese hotel in Muscat. Japanese-styled hot spring spa will be introduced in Ain al Kasfa in Rustaq, a city rich in history and culture. Speaking of one-of-a-kind products from Japan, Seiko has opened its first boutique in Mall of Oman.

As Oman gears up for developing clean energy in line with Oman Vision 2040, Japanese companies stand in support of these efforts. Kobe Steel Ltd and Mitsui & Co Ltd have signed a deal with the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) for the production of direct reduced iron. Marubeni Corporation, under Salalah H2 Consortium, has agreed with Hydrom on studies for green ammonia. What makes our ties unique is the Japanese liquified hydrogen carrier’s port of call during its world tour.

Our interactions have extended to defence, sports, culture, the academic field and more. Bilateral defence dialogue paved the way for future cooperation and exchanges. There was also a recent visit by Admiral Sakai Ryo, Chief of Staff of Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force. I was honoured to present the Japan Foreign Minister’s Commendation to Oman Karate Committee in the presence of many distinguished Majlis A’Shura members last December.

An exhibition to showcase Japan’s proud cuisine, sushi, was held in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth. A Japanese professor delivered lectures on international politics at National Defence College and Diplomatic Academy. Work by archaeologists at historic sites in Oman were hugely successful as in the previous years.

We made a leap forward in many fields, and I have to highlight that we could successfully resume a long-waited Japanese language course for people in Muscat. After a nearly four-year suspension, Oman-Japan Friendship Association (OJFA) welcomed a professional Japanese teacher in November and the course has already attracted many active learners.

OJFA underwent a transformation last year with a new Chairman, Sheikh Abdullah Mohamed Bahwan. I would like to show my great respect and appreciation to him for his leadership during the tenure to steer his team towards success. I am committed to working closely with Sheikh Abdullah and OJFA to take our friendship to the next level.

As more and more people start to see Japan as their academic destination, the Embassy of Japan participated in the education fairs Ghedex and EduTrac Oman for the first time and staged a ‘study-in-Japan’ campaign to meet the high demand. At these events, there was active involvement of Omani alumni who studied in Japan. Their firsthand experiences motivated visitors and reaffirmed the importance of people-to-people ties.

Year 2023 concluded with another milestone event when Oman officially announced its participation in Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai. A high-ranking delegation has repeatedly visited Japan to prepare for the event and more are expected to follow this year. Expo 2025 showcases arts and culture of the world, and at the same time, it will serve as a catalyst for closer bonds of people.