Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Tokyo Governor KOIKE Yuriko hosted an event on Tuesday to mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan with around 25 Japan-based ambassadors and heads of Islamic missions attending. 

The event, described as a “networking night,” was held at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) building and guests were offered an Iftar meal and explanation of its plans for urban related projects.

Waleed Siam, the Palestinian Ambassador and dean of Arab ambassadors in Tokyo, thanked Koike for her hospitality. “On behalf of the Islamic Missions, I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude and pleasure to Her Excellency Governor Koike and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government for providing us with this opportunity to celebrate together one of the most important times of the year for Muslims. I am happy to welcome another Holy Ramadan while enjoying the beautiful scenery of spring here in Tokyo.”

Siam said it was with “a sense of joy and hope” people were finally able to enjoy the cherry blossoms and travel in Japan without Covid-19 restrictions. He also praised the Tokyo government for “making this ethnically and culturally diverse city more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable.”

Diplomats attending the event included the ambassadors of the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Iraq, Lebanon, Morocco, Egypt and Algeria.

Koike used the event to show how “Tokyo creates ideas and technologies to overcome global urban challenges” and said TMG will hold events to introduce sustainable new urban models such as cutting-edge environmental technologies.