Arab News Japan

People in the Japanese town of Otsuchi in the coast of Iwate prefecture thanked Saudi Arabia in a video for the relief it received from the Kingdom after the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami in 2011.

The relief from Saudi Arabia was sent in the form of free Liquefied petroleum gas, or LP gas. Otsuchi was designated the Kingdom’s “Arigato Host Town” for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games after the exchange.

Residents of the Japanese town had the opportunity to learn more about Saudi and its culture in July. The lectures mainly targeted residents who worked in accommodation facilities and other businesses.

They learned about Saudi Arabia’s cultural aspects including halal foods and traditions such as daily prayer in order to be prepared to welcome the Saudi Arabian athletes for the Olympics.

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) offered lectures targeting a younger crowd in Otsuchi, such as high school students. The participants learned about Saudi Arabian traditions and various technical cooperation initiatives from field agents stationed there.

During the Olympics games, Otsuchi plans to host several public events, showing the games. The town also plans to conducts international exchange events with players and residents.