Cultural Relations

Cultural Relations

One of the most important aspects of strengthening bilateral ties in today’s world is the encouragement of cultural understanding. Japan and the Sultanate of Oman, whose ties stretch as far back as the 17th century and have shared close relations since 1972, have recognized this need and given special emphasis to the promotion of culture through various events and activities. This has included exhibitions, special symposiums and lectures, film screenings, exchanges of Omani and Japanese students, sporting encounters, music and dance performances, cooperation in various academic and research fields and other initiatives and special occasions.

One example of such special events was in 2008 when the Government of Japan presented almost 300 books, which were exhibited in Oman for the International Book Fair held in Muscat. Also, the “Omani Cultural Days,” an exhibition of Oman’s culture and heritage at the Tokyo International Forum in 2010, drew as many as 50,000 visitors throughout its opening.

Another major development in Japan-Omani relations is the establishment of the Sultan Qaboos Chair for Middle Eastern studies at the University of Tokyo in 2010. The Chair was established by a generous endowment from His Majesty the Sultan, for the purpose of promoting Middle Eastern Studies and the further exchange of Japanese and Omani students across borders. This growing trend in the number of Omani interns and international students studying for their bachelors to doctorate degrees in Japan reflects the power and influence of cultural relations between nations.

Furthermore, with 2022 marking a special milestone in this mutually respective relationship, the Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman in Tokyo and the Embassy of Japan in Muscat held numerous events and activities to celebrate the establishment of diplomatic relations between Oman and Japan. These wide ranging events were attended by a variety of luminous members from the political, diplomatic, business, academic and educational spheres within Oman and Japan, while also giving the publics of both countries a glimpse into the unique relations established between the nations. We hope you will further explore these activities and initiatives and develop a keen sense of curiosity and understanding about this important aspect of Omani-Japanese bilateral relations.

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