Tokyo, November 23, 2024 – In a significant meeting aimed at strengthening the cultural relations between Saudi Arabia and Japan, Saudi Minister of Culture, Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, met today with Dr. Toshiko Abe, Japan's Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, during his official visit to Tokyo. Prince Badr, who is in Japan to attend the Marvels of Saudi Orchestra performance, extended his congratulations to Dr. Abe on her appointment to the role and expressed the Kingdom’s commitment to participating in the upcoming Expo 2025 in Osaka. The minister conveyed best wishes to the Japanese government and people as they prepare to host this prestigious international event, underscoring the solid and enduring relationship between the two nations.
The discussions during the meeting focused on deepening bilateral cultural ties through a series of strategic initiatives that span multiple artistic and cultural sectors. Key topics included the exchange of knowledge and expertise in cultural governance, including regulations and organizations involved in cultural affairs, and collaborations in heritage preservation. Both ministers emphasized the importance of advancing digital preservation techniques, with a particular focus on projects that could benefit from joint efforts between Saudi and Japanese cultural institutions.
A significant part of the talks also centered on the growing interest in manga, Japan’s iconic art form. Both sides expressed the need to strengthen cooperation between Saudi Arabia’s Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission and Japan, with the goal of fostering cultural exchange and offering training opportunities for Saudi students in the creation of manga comics. This collaboration aims to enhance the skills of Saudi artists and deepen their understanding of Japan’s rich cultural heritage.
Prince Badr’s visit reflects Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to build cultural bridges with Japan, fostering artistic exchange, educational collaboration, and shared cultural experiences. The meeting was attended by Vice Minister of Culture Hamid bin Mohammed Fayez, Assistant Minister of Culture Rakan bin Ibrahim Al-Touq, and Saudi Ambassador to Japan Dr. Ghazi Binzagr, who all participated in discussions to further these cultural initiatives.
This meeting signals a new chapter in Saudi-Japanese cultural relations, one that promises to bring both nations closer through shared cultural projects and educational exchanges in the years to come.