Khaldon Azhari

MAKUHARI, Japan: A Japan-Saudi Arabia e-sports match will take place on Oct. 2 and 3, with officials expressing hope that the event will strengthen Japan and Saudi Arabia’s friendship and bring about a new culture of e-sports.

At a pre-tournament press conference, Hideki Okamura, Chairman of the Japan e-Sports Union, said: “Three years ago, I signed a document for an e-sports tournament with Chairman Prince Faisal bin Bandar Al Saud, and it is now finally starting. Although there were many issues to solve to hold the event in the midst of a pandemic, I’d like to thank the governments of Saudi Arabia and Japan, as well as relevant ministries and agencies for their cooperation. e-sports makes it possible to communicate beyond space, and men and women of all ages can participate. It will grow as an industry and create new occupations.” 

Turki Alfawzan, CEO of Saudi e-Sports Union, stated: “Based on the Japan-Saudi Vision 2030, we have been working hand-in-hand toward the promotion of e-sports. We would like to strengthen the relationship between the two countries.” Alfawzan noted that “30% of our population are young people, and e-sports is growing steadily.”

JAPAN ROUND will be held at Sakura Town in Saitama and can be viewed online. The total prize money is 30 million yen. This tournament is part of the Japan-Saudi 2030 initiative.

In response to a question from Arab News Japan, CEO Alfawzan said, “We want to continue to grow the e-sports community, players and the industry as a whole. Working with the Japan Esports Union is a huge help in achieving our dreams.”

Chairman Okamura added: “It is of great significance that e-sports can contribute to the partnership between Japan and Saudi Arabia. Also, from the perspective of athletes, competing with overseas athletes will help improve the skills of each athlete. I believe that exchanges through e-sports will contribute to the goodwill between the two countries. “

At the end of the press conference, Okamura sent a message to viewers to cheer for the athletes representing both countries, and said that he has high hopes that the competition will not only be a goodwill event to help Japan-Saudi relations, but also enhance communication among fans.