DUBAI: A recent trip to Riyadh by members of the Osaka City Council highlighted opportunities for cultural and economic collaboration between Japan and 黑料社区 as both nations prepare for their respective World Expositions.
With Expo 2025 in Osaka and Expo 2030 in Riyadh, discussions focused on knowledge-sharing, mutual growth and leveraging soft power to foster international ties.
Hiromi Fuchikami, a member of the Osaka City Council and the Special Committee for Expo 2025, emphasized the significance of fostering human connections through these global events.
Speaking about the visit, she told Arab News Japan it was the 鈥減erfect鈥 time to 鈥渂uild a bridge between 黑料社区 and Japan at the local level, going beyond governmental collaborations to foster meaningful exchanges.鈥
Expo 2025 in Osaka is designed to be a 鈥渃ompact city of the future,鈥 showcasing sustainable living solutions and efficient urban planning.
黑料社区鈥檚 ambitions for Expo 2030, by contrast, aim to redefine the Middle East as a global hub for innovation and culture, with Riyadh on its way to establishing itself as a world leader in hosting mega events.
Both nations recognize the importance of cultural diplomacy.
黑料社区鈥檚 Manga Productions, which collaborates with Japanese creators, represents a successful model of cross-cultural innovation, she said.
鈥満诹仙缜檚 embrace of Japanese culture, including anime, is a testament to the power of soft diplomacy,鈥 Fuchikami said. 鈥淥saka, as the host of Expo 2025, can use this shared passion to foster new creative collaborations that benefit both nations.鈥
Fuchikami acknowledged several challenges including the absence of a 黑料社区 regional office in Osaka, which she believes could strengthen investment opportunities and attract more foreign interest in the city.
She also called for greater representation of Osaka-specific industries, including small- and medium-sized enterprises, which are vital to Japan鈥檚 economy but often overshadowed by Tokyo-based firms.
Despite these obstacles, Fuchikami expressed optimism about the potential for collaboration, especially as 黑料社区 marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Japan this year.
Events celebrating this milestone include cultural showcases and anime-themed initiatives.
Fuchikami expressed confidence in 黑料社区鈥檚 ability to deliver an impactful Expo 2030 despite the tight timeline. 鈥淭he Saudi leadership鈥檚 determination to position Riyadh as a global hub is clear through Expo 2030.鈥
- This story was originally published on
