New book provides deep dive into Saudi-Japanese business relations

New book provides deep dive into Saudi-Japanese business relations
1 / 3
Guests at Dr. Khalid Al-Rashoud's book “Descendants of the Samurai” releasing in Riyadh (AN photo by Loai Elkelawy)
New book provides deep dive into Saudi-Japanese business relations
2 / 3
Saudi writer Dr. Khalid Al-Rashoud signing his book “Descendants of the Samurai” at releasing in Riyadh (AN photo by Loai Elkelawy)
New book provides deep dive into Saudi-Japanese business relations
3 / 3
Saudi writer Dr. Khalid Al-Rashoud signing his book “Descendants of the Samurai” for Arab News at releasing in Riyadh (AN photo by Loai Elkelawy)
Short Url
Updated 8 sec ago
Follow

New book provides deep dive into Saudi-Japanese business relations

New book provides deep dive into Saudi-Japanese business relations
  • Tokyo’s ambassador to Kingdom attends launch of ‘Descendants of the Samurai’
  • Author Khalid Al-Rashoud says it ‘provides insights into cultural differences, communication and negotiation styles’

RIYADH: As the Kingdom celebrates 70 years of diplomatic relations with Japan, dignitaries from the two nations came together in Riyadh recently for the launch of a new book that provides a deep insight into the world of Japanese commerce.

Titled “Descendants of the Samurai,” author Dr. Khalid Al-Rashoud told Arab News his work “provides insights into cultural differences, communication and negotiation styles, and building effective strategies for achieving professional success.”

The book, he said, “navigates business relations with the Japanese counterparts and provides fresh insights into the cultural norms, the stars of communications and successful strategic techniques for negotiations, holding meetings, resolving conflicts.”

Al-Rashoud, who has a doctorate in transformation management and development engineering from the Tokyo Institute of Technology and once worked as an adviser at the Saudi Embassy in Japan, said the book would help people to “understand the unique character of Japanese people and Japanese culture, which is tremendously rich.”

“(Japan) has a long-standing history that is full of knowledge, full of philosophy, full of science that we need to utilize … (but) often the language barriers and also the geographic variety, hinder its reach.”

Al-Rashoud, who is also the author of “Saudi-Japanese Relations,” said his latest work was mostly aimed at business people, but would also benefit government officials and those working at nongovernmental organizations or as researchers or students.

He said he believed it could help bring Japan closer to the Kingdom and the Arab world in general.

Among the guests at the launch was Japan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Yasunari Morino.

He told Arab News: “Japan and Saudi Arabia enjoy long-standing friendship and great relations in all areas including the economic and cultural. To further deepen the relationship, mutual understanding between the people is extremely important.

“So this work … is a great contribution to further deepening mutual understanding between the two people and deepening friendship between the two countries.”


Saudi Ardah sets Guinness World Record in Riyadh

Founding Day celebrations set a Guinness World Record for the largest Saudi Ardah performance in Riyadh. (SPA)
Founding Day celebrations set a Guinness World Record for the largest Saudi Ardah performance in Riyadh. (SPA)
Updated 9 sec ago
Follow

Saudi Ardah sets Guinness World Record in Riyadh

Founding Day celebrations set a Guinness World Record for the largest Saudi Ardah performance in Riyadh. (SPA)
  • Performed on special occasions, the performance showcases the Kingdom’s heritage
  • It begins with the recital of a poem, followed by drummers setting the rhythm for the dancers

RIYADH: The Founding Day celebrations set a Guinness World Record for the largest Saudi Ardah performance in Riyadh, with 633 participants showcasing this traditional dance.

This achievement underscores the Ardah’s deep-rooted significance as a national tradition, reflecting pride in Saudi identity and a commitment to preserving and promoting cultural heritage globally, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Organized by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City and the Principality of Riyadh Region from Feb. 20 to 23, the Founding Day event attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors from diverse backgrounds.

Performed on special occasions, the performance showcases the Kingdom’s heritage. It begins with the recital of a poem, followed by drummers setting the rhythm for the dancers.

The group leader then takes the stage, wielding a blade and demonstrating precise movements that mirror those of warriors in battle.


Manga Productions wins Saudi Media Forum Award for ‘Future’s Folktales 2’ anime

Manga Productions wins Saudi Media Forum Award for ‘Future’s Folktales 2’ anime
Updated 24 February 2025
Follow

Manga Productions wins Saudi Media Forum Award for ‘Future’s Folktales 2’ anime

Manga Productions wins Saudi Media Forum Award for ‘Future’s Folktales 2’ anime

RIYADH: Manga Productions, a subsidiary of the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation, or Misk, has won the Saudi Media Forum Award for the second season of its anime series “Future’s Folktales.”

According to the Saudi Press Agency, the award, in the media communication activities category, recognizes the company’s dedication to creating Saudi content that strengthens national identity and reaches audiences worldwide.

The recognition follows a large-scale communication and media campaign accompanying the series’ launch, which featured three global premiere screenings — two in Riyadh and one in Tokyo.

The campaign also included a global public relations initiative that generated 477 news articles across the Arab world and Japan, SPA reported.

On social media, a comprehensive digital campaign garnered more than 151 million views, complemented by prominent advertisements in major streets throughout Riyadh, Jeddah and the Eastern Province.

* This article originally appeared on Arab News Japan


Saudi Arabia’s king, crown prince congratulate Emperor Naruhito on Japan National Day

Saudi Arabia’s king, crown prince congratulate Emperor Naruhito on Japan National Day
Updated 24 February 2025
Follow

Saudi Arabia’s king, crown prince congratulate Emperor Naruhito on Japan National Day

Saudi Arabia’s king, crown prince congratulate Emperor Naruhito on Japan National Day

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sent a cable of congratulations to Emperor Naruhito of Japan on the anniversary of his country’s national day.

King Salman and the Crown Prince wished the emperor good health and happiness, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

They also wished the government and the people of Japan steady progress and prosperity.

This article originally appeared on Arab News Japan


Experts gather in Riyadh to address challenges to global humanitarian effort

Experts gather in Riyadh to address challenges to global humanitarian effort
Updated 24 February 2025
Follow

Experts gather in Riyadh to address challenges to global humanitarian effort

Experts gather in Riyadh to address challenges to global humanitarian effort
  • 4th Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum is being held in conjunction with the 10th anniversary of KSrelief
  • KSrelief to sign agreements with global organizations as part of Kingdom's humanitarian efforts

RIYADH: Leaders, donors, humanitarian workers, and experts from around the world are set to converge in the Saudi capital on Monday to discuss and address challenges being faced by humanitarian aid agencies, the Saudi Press Agency has reported.

Organized by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, the 4th Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum is being held in conjunction with the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the aid agency better known by its short name KSrelief.

Topics include the role of humanitarian diplomacy in conflicts and disasters, access to humanitarian aid and supply chains, and addressing displacement in an era of increasing conflicts and natural disasters, KSrelief Supervisor General Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Rabeeah said during a roundtable session with media representatives on Sunday.

A mid-year report of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) last year said that at the end of June 2024, at least 122.6 million people worldwide were forcibly displaced as a result of persecution, conflict, violence, human rights violations or events seriously disturbing public order. 

At the top of the list were Gaza, Sudan, Syria, Myanmar, Yemen, Ukraine, Afghanistan, Congo and Colombia.

During the two-day event, KSrelief will also sign several agreements with UN and international organizations as part of Saudi Arabia's humanitarian efforts, said Al-Rabeeah, who is also an adviser to the Royal Court.

Another activity programmed as part of the forum is a hackathon on "Artificial Intelligence in Humanitarian Relief," organized by the KSrelief in collaboration with Alfaisal University. The hackathon "aims to leverage AI-driven solutions to address critical humanitarian challenges in healthcare," Al-Rabeeah explained. 

He added that participating technology and humanitarian experts are expected "to develop innovative solutions aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, focusing on  AI, healthcare, and innovation."

Since 2015, KSrelief has implemented 2,670 projects worth more than $6.5 billion in 95 countries, in cooperation with 175 local, regional and international partners. The bulk of the support has gone to Yemen ($4.3 billion), Syria ($391 million), Palestine ($370 million) and Somalia ($227 million).

KSrelief’s programs cover food security, health, sanitation, shelter, nutrition, education, telecommunications and logistics.
 


Saudi foreign missions host ‘Founding Day’ celebrations

Saudi foreign missions host ‘Founding Day’ celebrations
Updated 24 February 2025
Follow

Saudi foreign missions host ‘Founding Day’ celebrations

Saudi foreign missions host ‘Founding Day’ celebrations
  • Celebrations held at Egypt, Kyrgyzstan, UK missions on Kingdom’s culture, history

RIYADH: The Kingdom’s missions abroad hosted over the weekend citizens and visitors to celebrate the nation’s Founding Day, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

At the Saudi Embassy in Cairo, presentations on the history of the state and art performances were featured, led by Ambassador Saleh Al-Husseini.

The Saudi Embassy in Kyrgyzstan hosted celebrations at the Kyrgyz State History Museum, attended by the Kingdom’s Ambassador Ibrahim bin Radi Al-Radi. Also present were several Kyrgyz officials, heads of diplomatic missions, media representatives, and mission staff.

The ceremony featured a photo exhibition, film, and pavilion highlighting Arabic calligraphy, falcons, Saudi coffee, fashion, and traditional cuisine.

Saudi Arabia's Founding Day anniversary was held at the National Historical Museum of Kyrgyzstan, in Bishkek during the weekend. (SPA)

In London, the cultural attache at the Saudi Embassy hosted a celebration titled “The Day We Started.”

Students from across the UK participated in the event, which featured an exhibition showcasing Saudi Arabia’s historical and cultural heritage. Displays included paintings and traditional crafts, the SPA reported.

There was a section featuring traditional artifacts accompanied by explanations of local customs and clothing from different regions of Saudi Arabia.

A presentation on Saudi Arabia’s coffee, along with other activities and competitions for children, were a part of the celebration.

Saudi Arabia has declared Feb. 22 as its Founding Day. The first state was established in 1727 during the leadership of Imam Mohammad bin Saud.