bahrainthismonth.com | FEBRUARY 2025 JAPAN 15 Anime and Tokusatsu film festivals, and Japanese festivals such as Hinamatsuri and Tanabata brought our cultures closer. The Japanese Society Festival, featuring Bon Odori and martial arts demonstrations, further enriched our bilateral ties. Plans for 2025 include Ikebana workshops, a craft artisan exhibition and an expanded anime film festival in collaboration with Comic Con. Academic exchanges, including the establishment of Bahrain centre for Arabian Gulf Archaeology and Cultural Heritage, enhance mutual understanding. Japanese cuisine’s growing popularity in Bahrain, reflected in Budoor Steele’s appointment as a Japanese Cuisine Goodwill Ambassador, is another testament to our cultural connection. How can tourism between Japan and Bahrain grow? Expo 2025 in Osaka is a pivotal opportunity to boost tourism. While Japan is increasingly popular among Bahrainis, Bahraini attractions remain under-promoted in Japan. Since 2019, the number of Bahraini visas to Japan has increased 2.4 times, reflecting a growing interest. Japan prioritises attracting GCC tourists, with the Japan National Tourism Organisation opening a Dubai office to strengthen regional ties. Addressing gaps in cooperation between destination management companies will create seamless travel experiences. Bahrain can also benefit from offering multicountry packages, attracting Japanese tourists to explore the region. How can youth strengthen Japan-Bahrain relations? Youth are essential to fostering stronger ties. The Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship and programmes like the Ship for World Youth build lasting connections. Internships with companies such as Yokogawa and E-Growth provide practical insights. The Osaka Expo 2025 will also feature Bahraini youth volunteering at the Bahrain Pavilion, offering them unique opportunities to engage with global audiences. What business opportunities exist between Japan and Bahrain? Key forums like the Bahrain-Japan Business & Friendship Society and Japan-Bahrain Economic Cooperation Association promote economic ties. The 2022 Agreement on the Promotion and Protection of Investments is a significant milestone. Collaborations with the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) and EDB continue to explore new investments, strengthening economic partnerships. What has been your most memorable experience in Bahrain? Bahrain’s warmth, cultural openness and emphasis on tolerance have left a lasting impression. Its rich history as a trading hub since the Dilmun era and its pearl industry heritage highlight the nation’s global significance. Bahrain’s dedication to empowering women and youth, along with its commitment to peaceful coexistence, serves as a model for stability and progress. How has Bahraini culture shaped you? Adjusting to Bahrain has been seamless due to the warm welcome. Bahrain’s culinary diversity, especially its focus on seafood, feels familiar and enriching. Learning about Bahrain’s historical crossroads of civilisations has deepened my understanding of its unique identity, blending tradition and modernity. Scan to watch & listen to the full interview
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