Oman-Japan: Bridging cultures, building futures
Published: 04:12 PM,Dec 09,2024 | EDITED : 08:12 PM,Dec 09,2024
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The Japanese Embassy in Oman has been a cornerstone of cultural diplomacy, fostering deep ties between the two nations.
Its contributions transcend traditional diplomatic functions, creating platforms for meaningful cultural exchange and mutual appreciation. By engaging Omanis and promoting a shared understanding, the embassy has built a cultural bridge that continues to thrive.
One of the embassy’s most influential initiatives involves hosting events at the ambassador’s residence or in key Omani locations. These gatherings bring together Omanis from diverse backgrounds, including government officials, educators and cultural figures.
Such events promote dialogue and collaboration, strengthening the bond between Oman and Japan. Special dinners with visiting Japanese dignitaries further enrich this cultural exchange, offering opportunities for Omanis to connect with Japanese traditions and values.
In the academic realm, the embassy’s outreach at Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) has left a significant mark. Through collaborations with faculty, such as my own courses, the embassy has introduced Japanese principles of harmony, perseverance and innovation to students.
Takuya Matsunaga, a representative of the Japanese Embassy, first reached out to me as an Omani faculty member two years ago, introducing me to researcher Thomas Yamazaki. Together, they designed a series of talks on Japanese culture, which Yamazaki has delivered three times in my Language and Culture class.
His lectures on Japanese cultural values have been met with remarkable enthusiasm. Yamazaki was impressed by how deeply engaged the students were, with many speaking Japanese phrases fluently and expressing their admiration for Japanese creativity and discipline through their knowledge of manga and anime.
This indicates that beyond the embassy’s efforts, anime has played a vital role in shaping Omanis’ fascination with Japan.
Popular series like Naruto, Attack on Titan and One Piece have captivated the imaginations of Omani youth, sparking an interest in Japanese language, values and aesthetics. Anime’s universal themes of perseverance, friendship and self-discovery resonate deeply with Oman’s own cultural values, creating a unique connection between the two cultures. This widespread admiration for anime complements the embassy’s cultural initiatives, further strengthening the bond between Oman and Japan.
The embassy’s support extends beyond cultural exchanges. It regularly sends educational advisers to SQU to provide information on studying in Japan and the various funding opportunities available. These advisers help students navigate scholarships, academic programmes and application processes, making Japan an accessible destination for higher education. This initiative has inspired many young Omanis to pursue their academic dreams in Japan, including my own niece, strengthening the cultural and academic ties between the two nations.
This enthusiasm has also manifested in the Japanese Club at SQU, a student-led initiative that organises events like tea ceremonies and cosplay competitions. Many active members of the club have been inspired by these experiences and dream of pursuing postgraduate studies in Japan. They are among the many young Omanis whose academic aspirations have been shaped by the embassy’s efforts to make Japan a cultural and educational beacon.
The fascination of young Omanis with Japanese culture reflects the success of these efforts. This admiration is rooted in shared values such as discipline, respect and hospitality, which resonate deeply with Omani traditions. By celebrating these commonalities, the embassy has nurtured a lasting connection that goes beyond cultural trends.
Looking ahead, the Japanese Embassy continues to play a pivotal role in strengthening bilateral ties. Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, represents a unique opportunity for Oman and Japan to further deepen their collaboration. The embassy’s ongoing initiatives ensure that cultural diplomacy remains a cornerstone of this partnership, inspiring future generations to build on the foundation of mutual understanding and respect.
Through its programmes and initiatives, the Japanese Embassy has left an indelible mark on Oman’s cultural and academic landscape. It exemplifies the power of diplomacy to unite nations, enrich individual lives and create a legacy of connection. As Oman and Japan move forward together, their partnership stands as a model for international collaboration and cultural exchange.
Its contributions transcend traditional diplomatic functions, creating platforms for meaningful cultural exchange and mutual appreciation. By engaging Omanis and promoting a shared understanding, the embassy has built a cultural bridge that continues to thrive.
One of the embassy’s most influential initiatives involves hosting events at the ambassador’s residence or in key Omani locations. These gatherings bring together Omanis from diverse backgrounds, including government officials, educators and cultural figures.
Such events promote dialogue and collaboration, strengthening the bond between Oman and Japan. Special dinners with visiting Japanese dignitaries further enrich this cultural exchange, offering opportunities for Omanis to connect with Japanese traditions and values.
In the academic realm, the embassy’s outreach at Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) has left a significant mark. Through collaborations with faculty, such as my own courses, the embassy has introduced Japanese principles of harmony, perseverance and innovation to students.
Takuya Matsunaga, a representative of the Japanese Embassy, first reached out to me as an Omani faculty member two years ago, introducing me to researcher Thomas Yamazaki. Together, they designed a series of talks on Japanese culture, which Yamazaki has delivered three times in my Language and Culture class.
His lectures on Japanese cultural values have been met with remarkable enthusiasm. Yamazaki was impressed by how deeply engaged the students were, with many speaking Japanese phrases fluently and expressing their admiration for Japanese creativity and discipline through their knowledge of manga and anime.
This indicates that beyond the embassy’s efforts, anime has played a vital role in shaping Omanis’ fascination with Japan.
Popular series like Naruto, Attack on Titan and One Piece have captivated the imaginations of Omani youth, sparking an interest in Japanese language, values and aesthetics. Anime’s universal themes of perseverance, friendship and self-discovery resonate deeply with Oman’s own cultural values, creating a unique connection between the two cultures. This widespread admiration for anime complements the embassy’s cultural initiatives, further strengthening the bond between Oman and Japan.
The embassy’s support extends beyond cultural exchanges. It regularly sends educational advisers to SQU to provide information on studying in Japan and the various funding opportunities available. These advisers help students navigate scholarships, academic programmes and application processes, making Japan an accessible destination for higher education. This initiative has inspired many young Omanis to pursue their academic dreams in Japan, including my own niece, strengthening the cultural and academic ties between the two nations.
This enthusiasm has also manifested in the Japanese Club at SQU, a student-led initiative that organises events like tea ceremonies and cosplay competitions. Many active members of the club have been inspired by these experiences and dream of pursuing postgraduate studies in Japan. They are among the many young Omanis whose academic aspirations have been shaped by the embassy’s efforts to make Japan a cultural and educational beacon.
The fascination of young Omanis with Japanese culture reflects the success of these efforts. This admiration is rooted in shared values such as discipline, respect and hospitality, which resonate deeply with Omani traditions. By celebrating these commonalities, the embassy has nurtured a lasting connection that goes beyond cultural trends.
Looking ahead, the Japanese Embassy continues to play a pivotal role in strengthening bilateral ties. Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, represents a unique opportunity for Oman and Japan to further deepen their collaboration. The embassy’s ongoing initiatives ensure that cultural diplomacy remains a cornerstone of this partnership, inspiring future generations to build on the foundation of mutual understanding and respect.
Through its programmes and initiatives, the Japanese Embassy has left an indelible mark on Oman’s cultural and academic landscape. It exemplifies the power of diplomacy to unite nations, enrich individual lives and create a legacy of connection. As Oman and Japan move forward together, their partnership stands as a model for international collaboration and cultural exchange.