Muscat – Oman and Japan enjoy a long-standing relationship marked by mutual trust, economic cooperation, cultural exchange, and political goodwill.

Appointed in Ramadan 2025, H E Kiyoshi Serizawa is the 15th Ambassador of Japan to Oman. He enters the role with a clear focus on strengthening ties through a series of cultural, business, and people-to-people initiatives, reflecting the depth and continuity of the bilateral partnership.

Rooted in centuries-old trade relations and shared values, the Oman-Japan relationship has evolved into a dynamic cooperation spanning diplomacy, commerce, and culture.

The new ambassador’s appointment reaffirms Japan’s commitment to deepening this engagement and exploring new areas of collaboration.

Excerpts:

As the new ambassador of Japan to Oman, what are your top priorities?

The relationship between Japan and Oman continues to grow steadily across various fields, and as ambassador, my primary goal is to strengthen this momentum. My mission is to broaden our bilateral cooperation by encouraging more exchanges – whether in politics, business, government, education, or culture.

One of the cornerstones of our friendship is the excellent rapport between our Imperial and Royal families. A great example is the visit of H H Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham al Said, Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth, to Japan this April, which reaffirmed the deep-rooted trust between our nations.

To further this bond, fostering mutual visits and people-to-people interactions is essential. In February, State Minister for Foreign Affairs MIYAJI Takuma’s visit to Oman underscored our commitment to enhancing ties. In April, the bilateral Foreign Policy Dialogue, which convened senior officials from both sides—such as H.E. Sheikh Khalifa bin Ali bin Issa Al Harthy’s visit to Japan—demonstrates our diplomatic efforts.

Beyond diplomacy, we aim to expand economic collaboration, particularly in tourism, decarbonisation, and agriculture – areas aligned with Oman Vision 2040. I also place importance on building robust frameworks for long-term projects.

Our defence ties are also deepening. Vice Admiral Abdullah Khamis al Raisi visited Japan in May, and Japan’s Maritime Self-Defence Force, which operates in nearby waters on anti-piracy missions, regularly docks in Oman for support. These high-level exchanges reflect the trust and shared interest we have in maritime safety and regional stability.

How do you look forward to increasing cultural relations between Japan and Oman?

Cultural exchange plays a vital role in building lasting connections between nations. Recently, the Embassy of Japan, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, held a Manga exhibition at the Omani Society for Arts in Ghala. Despite being held during the summer vacation, the event welcomed over 750 visitors, highlighting strong local interest in Japanese culture.

Interestingly, the exhibition was initially planned for another country, but due to regional security concerns, it was relocated to Oman. This decision underscores the peace and stability that Oman continues to maintain, making it a welcoming environment for cultural and human activity.

Peace, after all, is the foundation upon which meaningful artistic and cultural experiences thrive. With the continued support of the Omani government, I’m optimistic that our cultural relationship will grow stronger, allowing our two societies to share more diverse and enriching experiences in the future.

How many visas Japan issued to Oman residents last year, and for what purposes?

In 2024, we issued over 1,600 visas to residents of Oman. The majority were for tourism, followed by business and educational purposes. We’ve noticed that many young people are inspired to visit Japan after watching Omani social media influencers share their experiences online.

This organic form of promotion has sparked growing interest in Japan’s culture, lifestyle, and hospitality.

This year, we are already seeing an increase in visitors, largely due to the Expo 2025 Osaka/Kansai. Events like the Expo not only attract international guests but also promote deeper cultural understanding.

Tourism, in this context, becomes more than leisure – it becomes a bridge that connects people and deepens mutual respect.

How has the response been to the Omani Pavilion at the World Expo in Osaka?

From what I’ve gathered, the Omani Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka/Kansai has been warmly received. Its theme – ‘Land, Water and People’ – resonates across cultures and age groups, appealing to visitors ranging from young children to senior citizens.

Guests are especially drawn to the sensory experiences on offer – such as sipping traditional Omani coffee and enjoying aromatic bubbles that carry the essence of Oman’s natural landscapes. These immersive elements create lasting impressions and allow visitors to take a part of Oman with them, even after the Expo concludes in October.

Such cultural representations not only boost tourism but also promote a deeper appreciation for Oman’s heritage and its harmonious relationship with nature. These shared experiences help elevate Oman’s image on the global stage.

Are there any plans to open a Japanese school in Oman?

There are currently about 120 Japanese nationals living in Oman, and while there are no immediate plans to open a full-fledged Japanese school here, we are constantly exploring ways to strengthen educational
and cultural cooperation.

At present, Japanese language courses are available through the Oman-Japan Friendship Association. Additionally, Dhofar University began offering Japanese classes last year, which is a welcome development and a sign of growing interest in our language and culture.

I personally admire the dedication of the Japanese teachers and volunteers who are working hard to share their knowledge. Their efforts are invaluable and play a crucial role I building deeper bonds between our two nations.