DUBAI: A recent trip to Riyadh by members of the Osaka City Council highlighted opportunities for cultural and economic collaboration between Japan and Saudi Arabia 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 “perfect” time to “build a bridge between Saudi Arabia and Japan at the local level, going beyond governmental collaborations to foster meaningful exchanges.”

Expo 2025 in Osaka is designed to be a “compact city of the future,” showcasing sustainable living solutions and efficient urban planning.

Saudi Arabia’s 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.

Saudi Arabia’s Manga Productions, which collaborates with Japanese creators, represents a successful model of cross-cultural innovation, she said.

“Saudi Arabia’s embrace of Japanese culture, including anime, is a testament to the power of soft diplomacy,” Fuchikami said. “Osaka, as the host of Expo 2025, can use this shared passion to foster new creative collaborations that benefit both nations.”

Fuchikami acknowledged several challenges including the absence of a Saudi Arabia 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’s economy but often overshadowed by Tokyo-based firms.

Despite these obstacles, Fuchikami expressed optimism about the potential for collaboration, especially as Saudi Arabia 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 Saudi Arabia’s ability to deliver an impactful Expo 2030 despite the tight timeline. “The Saudi leadership’s determination to position Riyadh as a global hub is clear through Expo 2030.”

• This story was originally published on Arab News Japan