Diana Farah

ABU DHABI: The Japanese Ambassador to the UAE, OKANIWA Ken, hosted a special iftar on March 12 for the Arab News Japan team at his official residence, bringing together diplomats and media professionals to discuss the growing ties between Japan and the UAE. 

At the gathering, insights on bilateral relations, cultural connections and the role of media in fostering understanding between the Arab world and Japan were discussed.

Discussions centered on key areas of cooperation between Japan and the UAE, including economic partnerships, trade and cultural exchanges. 

The ambassador emphasized the strong and growing relationship between the two nations and highlighted the importance of continued collaboration in various sectors.

The role of media in strengthening ties between Japan and the Arab world was also a focal point of the discussions. Participants explored how journalism and digital media can bridge cultural gaps and enhance mutual understanding. 

Ambassador Okaniwa also learned more about Arab News Japan’s YouGov study titled, ‘How Arabs View Japan,’ which was based on interviews with 3,033 Arabic speakers from 18 Arab countries. 

Topics such as anime, cuisine and the popularity of Japanese automobiles in the Middle East also sparked conversations.

Guests were treated to a carefully curated iftar meal prepared by the Ambassador’s renowned chef Kosuke Hisano.