Latest news with #MukaiKenichiro
Kuwait Times
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Kuwait Times
Japan and Kuwait promote Middle East peace
Mukai Kenichiro, Ambassador of Japan to Kuwait Peace and stability in the Middle East are extremely important to Japan and to the world. Since the beginning of the recent crisis which started on June 13th in the region, Japan has consistently called on all concerned parties to exercise maximum restraint and to work toward de-escalation. Prime Minister Ishiba emphasized the importance of diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation and to resolve Iran's nuclear issue during the G7 Summit meeting on June 16th. Japan sincerely hopes that the ceasefire agreement reached on June 24th will be faithfully implemented and will lead to reopening the path to dialogue with regard to Iran's nuclear issue. As the only country in the world that suffered atomic bombings, Japan has actively worked to strengthen the international nuclear non-proliferation regime. Japan has taken various opportunities to share the Japanese position with the countries concerned, including (Zionist entity), and urge those countries to join the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). In the meantime, Japan has consistently expressed serious concern over Iran's nuclear issue, reaffirming that Iran's development of nuclear weapons must never be allowed for the sake of maintaining the international nuclear non-proliferation regime. Japan and Kuwait share and always emphasize the importance of diplomacy. Amid the increasingly complex Middle East situation, Japan places great importance on its long-standing friendship with Kuwait. Kuwait, as a trusted mediator and advocate for dialogue in the Gulf region, has played a prominent role. During the recent crisis, Kuwait took proactive diplomatic steps as the Chair of the GCC. This leadership deserves high praise. In May 2025, when His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled visited Japan and held talks with Prime Minister Ishiba, Minister Ishiba expressed his respect for Kuwait's significant role in promoting regional peace and stability as GCC Chair, and both sides reaffirmed their commitment to cooperating toward long-term peace and stability in the region. As the Ambassador of Japan to the State of Kuwait, I hope to make efforts to strengthen cooperation between Japan and Kuwait towards rebuilding trust in the region through dialogue. Under the framework of the 'Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,' which was announced during His Highness's visit, Japan will expand its cooperation with Kuwait in a wide range of fields, in energy security, humanitarian assistance, and the promotion of international dialogue. Kuwait's extensive diplomatic experience and regional influence enable it to serve as a valuable partner to Japan's diplomatic efforts. Military confrontation only breeds distrust and destruction, which is not the future we seek. Based on the strong Japan-Kuwait relationship, Japan will continue working together with Kuwait, the current GCC Chair, to make constructive contributions to peace and prosperity in the Middle East, guided by mutual respect and cooperation.
Arab Times
22-06-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
Al-Jarallah, Japanese envoy discuss aspects to boost media cooperation
KUWAIT CITY, June 22: Dean of Kuwaiti Journalism Ahmed Al-Jarallah, the Editor-in-Chief of Al-Seyassah and Arab Times newspapers, met with Japanese Ambassador to Kuwait Mukai Kenichiro in his office on Sunday. During the friendly visit, they discussed various aspects of media cooperation between the two sides and ways to strengthen it in the coming period. They talked about several regional and international issues of mutual interest, as well as the important role that the press plays in strengthening relations between peoples, particularly through effective and balanced media coverage. Kenichiro expressed his deep appreciation for the efforts exerted by Al- Seyassah and Arab Times newspapers in covering the activities of the Japanese Embassy, and highlighting the importance of bilateral relations between Kuwait and Japan. He affirmed that the Kuwaiti press plays an important role in strengthening the bonds of understanding and rapprochement between the two countries. Al-Jarallah welcomed the visiting ambassador while praising the level of Kuwaiti-Japanese relations and the role of the embassy in supporting cultural and media initiatives. He emphasized the commitment of the Kuwaiti press, particularly Al-Seyassah and Arab Times newspapers, to an approach of openness and cooperation with diplomatic missions in the country. Second Secretary at the Embassy Rie Kurihara, Managing Editor of the Arab Times Marlon Aquino Malinao, and colleague Mohammad Al-Farhan also attended the meeting. They engaged in an extensive discussion about the importance of cooperation between the media and embassies in forging mutual understanding and depicting a true picture of the political, cultural and economic reality.
Kuwait Times
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Kuwait Times
Crown Prince to visit Japan in first visit of its kind since 2016
Ambassador Mukai Kenichiro KUWAIT: His Highness the Crown Prince of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, is scheduled to make an official visit to Japan — marking the first high-level Kuwaiti visit to the country since 2016, when former Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah visited. "I am honored that Japan has been chosen as the destination for the first bilateral visit by His Highness Crown Prince," said Japanese Ambassador to Kuwait Mukai Kenichiro on Tuesday. During the visit, His Highness the Crown Prince is expected to meet with Emperor Naruhito and Crown Prince Fumihito. These meetings aim to reinforce the longstanding ties between the Japanese Imperial Family and Kuwait's ruling family. The itinerary also includes a summit meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, during which both sides will discuss bilateral relations and key regional issues. "I am confident that this visit will be a unique opportunity for the dramatic development of Kuwait-Japan relations." His Highness the Crown Prince and the accompanying delegation are expected to depart Malaysia to Japan Wednesday, on an official visit to the Japanese capital Tokyo and the city of Osaka.
Kuwait Times
20-05-2025
- Business
- Kuwait Times
Japan invites Kuwaiti entrepreneurs to explore investment opportunities
Envoy highlights potential for business growth at Japan-Kuwait Business Diwaniya KUWAIT: Kuwaiti entrepreneurs and investors are encouraged to explore business opportunities in Japan, said Japanese Ambassador to Kuwait Mukai Kenichiro on Sunday, ahead of the 'Japan-Kuwait Business Diwaniya.' Speaking to KUNA, Ambassador Mukai expressed Japan's openness to Kuwaiti business ventures, particularly through supportive visa schemes for foreign entrepreneurs, such as those available in the city of Fukuoka. 'This is a good opportunity for Kuwaiti entrepreneurs to start businesses in Japan,' he stated. The ambassador noted that Kuwaiti cuisine received positive feedback from Japanese visitors during the ongoing Expo 2025 in Osaka, Kansai. 'This could create an opening for Kuwaiti entrepreneurs to consider launching ventures in Japan—not only in cuisine but in broader cultural sectors as well,' he added. Touching on broader economic ties, Ambassador Mukai affirmed the strength of Kuwaiti-Japanese relations. 'Our business and trade ties continue to grow, particularly as Kuwait plays a critical role in Japan's energy security through its supply of crude oil,' he remarked. Japanese Ambassador to Kuwait Mukai Kenichiro Al-Sayer Group CEO Mubarak Al-Sayer During his remarks at the Diwaniya, the ambassador encouraged Kuwaiti companies to consider investments in Japanese sectors, especially in advanced technology. He highlighted such cooperation as essential in supporting Kuwait's efforts to achieve net-zero carbon emissions in the oil sector by 2050. Ambassador Mukai also noted that the Diwaniya serves as a platform to revitalize the 'Japan-Kuwait Business Committee,' praising the role of major Japanese firms—including Mitsubishi, Toshiba, JERA, and others—for their contributions to vital infrastructure projects in Kuwait such as Al-Subiya, Al-Zour, and Doha power plants. He further revealed ongoing discussions between the two countries aimed at forging a bilateral agreement for unique culinary collaborations. For his part, Mubarak Al-Sayer, CEO of Al-Sayer Group, emphasized the company's longstanding role as a commercial bridge between Japan and Kuwait through its extensive importation of Japanese goods and brands. He called for greater support from the Japanese government to enhance cooperation across trade, education, industry, and healthcare. Al-Sayer also highlighted the potential benefits of Japanese expertise in helping Kuwait address environmental and urban development challenges through technological collaboration, paving the way for a sustainable future. He concluded by urging the Japanese government to consider granting visas on arrival for Kuwaiti citizens, a step he said would significantly boost bilateral ties. — KUNA
Arab Times
19-05-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Japan and Kuwait deepen business ties through strategic Diwaniya gathering
KUWAIT CITY, May 19: Japanese Ambassador to Kuwait Mukai Kenichiro organized the 'Japanese-Kuwaiti Business Diwaniya' at his residence, with Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs Ambassador Samih Jawhar Hayat, a group of Kuwaiti businesspersons, and representatives of the public and private sectors in attendance. The meeting aimed to strengthen the economic and technological partnerships between Kuwait and Japan and expand the horizons of cooperation in various fields. Mukai expressed his pride and gratitude for the presence of the guests, stressing that the Diwaniya is a strategic opportunity to revive the Japanese-Kuwaiti Business Committee at the governmental level and exchange views on the future of trade and investment cooperation between the two countries. He pointed out that the current phase is a turning point in economic relations between the two countries, calling for strengthening cooperation in sustainable development, social responsibility, and the green economy. He affirmed that Japan is one of the largest global investment markets, with capital investments reaching approximately $700 billion in 2023. He urged the Kuwaiti businesspersons to explore the available opportunities, particularly through the Kansai-Osaka Expo, which was launched in April and will continue for six months. He revealed the Expo showcases advanced Japanese technologies, such as room-temperature hydrogen production devices, carbon dioxide capture and emission technologies, and industrial fuel production. He said these technologies are plausible solutions for the realization of Kuwait's goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. He also cited the perovskite solar cells developed by Panasonic, which can be installed on windows and are currently used in Toyota cars that charge while driving, making them ideally suited to the sunny environment in Kuwait. In the healthcare sector, he highlighted the regenerative medicine technologies using IPS cells, which offer advanced therapeutic capabilities, calling for investment in them and their use within the healthcare system in Kuwait. He also talked about the contributions of major Japanese companies, such as Mitsubishi, Toshiba and JERA, to infrastructure and energy projects in Kuwait. He asserted that these projects are not merely commercial activities, as they are rather contributions to improving the quality of life. He was quick to add that these companies are facing challenges, such as the slow bidding process, delayed procedures, and lack of focus on reducing emissions. He revealed the Japanese government is engaged in a serious dialogue with the Kuwaiti side to address these challenges, calling on decision-makers to support these efforts to improve the joint business environment. He affirmed the embassy's readiness to provide all forms of support to Kuwaiti businesspersons, wishing to introduce Japanese products and technologies to the local market. He is hoping that Kuwait will become a regional center for adopting Japanese innovations and exporting them to the Gulf states, especially Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). On the other hand, Mubarak Al-Sayer, Executive Board Member of Al-Sayer Group, presented the history of the long-standing partnership with Japan, dating back to 1954, when the group became the first distributor of Toyota vehicles in the Middle East, thanks to his late father, Nasser Mohammed Al-Sayer. Al-Sayer explained that this relationship has evolved into a strategic partnership spanning more than seven decades, making Al-Sayer Group the largest importer of Japanese goods in Kuwait, including major brands like Toyota, Lexus, Hino, Hitachi, Kawasaki, Yokohama, Akai, Sakai, JCB, and Canon. He asked the Japanese government to facilitate entry for Kuwaitis by granting visas upon arrival, stressing that the Kuwaiti people's passion for Japan is growing in the fields of education, entertainment, and commerce. He affirmed Al-Sayer Group's commitment to continuing its longstanding partnership with Japan for future generations, stating that 'this partnership is not only a legacy we cherish, but a future we are working hard to consolidate.
