Arab News Japan

A Japanese TV program has aired a news report on the daily life in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the key preventive measures taken by the country against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Akira Ikegami News is a popular Japanese TV program, broadcast on Asahi TV, and hosted by Akira Ikegami, the veteran Japanese media man. In an episode aired on Nov. 7, a news report was shown on the main restrictions imposed by Saudi Arabia to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. The report was among other miscellaneous news reports from across the world.

Faris Al Rushud, Arab News Japan’s Saudi correspondent who presented the report, tackled many points, including Saudi Arabia’s citizens and residents’ safety.

It also outlined the preventive measures taken upon entry of shopping centres and mosques, such as measuring body temperature and sterilizing hands, as well as adhering to social distancing rules by keeping a safe distance while dealing with others. In addition, the report touched on young men and women experience in studying remotely as a result of attendance suspension at schools and universities in the kingdom.

Al Rushud outlined the most prominent changes Saudi Arabia has been witnessing recently, which are in line with its 2030 vision. Among these changes is establishing many cinemas as well as empowering women.

The news report also showed cultural information about Saudi Arabia, including the most famous Saudi food dishes and how to make them. 

In the report’s conclusion, the Arab News Japan correspondent told the viewers of the Japanese TV channel that Saudi Arabia started issuing tourist visas last year.

He added that Saudi Arabia welcomes Japanese visitors, to give them a chance to get acquainted with its culture, as soon as the pandemic ends.