Japan, where cultural uniqueness and a warm human experience merge, as if the surrounding sea currents contribute to shaping the lived human interactions. Cherry blossoms bloom first in the soul, awaiting their spring birth. This is a feeling produced by the graciousness and warmth of humility that characterizes the Japanese people. This visit to Japan provides me with the opportunity to explore this great country, with which we share deep historical ties. As I often say, history cannot be excluded from shaping the present, and the deeper the historical roots, the more civilized and aware a person becomes. In every encounter, one finds common threads of civilization between the Omani and Japanese characters, uniting them in a shared human space built on humility, generosity, and a strong attachment to customs and traditions. All the cultures that have melted here in Japan resonate with Omani distinctiveness, forged by deep historical connections and interactions with the world's civilizations. This was the feeling I had from the first day, a sensation that began to flow from the very first moment.
 

On the second day, in every corner, I noticed a strong commitment to development and a constant effort to address the challenges of the times with swift solutions. I had meetings with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Tourism Agency, and Canon Research Center, and everyone agreed on the importance of strengthening relations between the two countries. There is a serious desire to redefine the historical ties between our peoples and to focus on sectors such as tourism, economy, renewable energy, education, innovation, and information technology. Despite some differing political views on regional matters, both countries agree on the importance of dialogue and resolving issues peacefully. Oman is a cradle of peace, and in Japan, you feel that peace is walking alongside you on its sidewalks, sharing both the small and large details of daily life. You can't experience Japan as an Omani without closely learning about the efforts of the Sultan Qaboos Chair for Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Tokyo and its influence on the academic and cultural scene. Naturally, discussions with the Japanese often begin with the story of Sultan Taimur's marriage to a Japanese woman, a romantic tale cherished and respected by Japanese society. This historical love story began when Sultan Taimur emigrated to Japan and settled in Kobe in 1936. It was in this city that he met a woman named Kiyoko Oyama, with whom he engaged in a warm conversation about various non-political matters. Impressed by her intelligence and culture, this conversation marked the beginning of Sultan Taimur's serious interest in getting closer to her and her family, eventually deciding to reside in Japan for an extended period and marry the woman he loved.
 

What struck me about Japanese society is the mutual respect among different groups and their welcoming attitude toward each other. Their complete attention when listening to someone is remarkable. You cannot expand your cultural and human knowledge unless you are first a good listener. The Japanese people are known for their love of sports, particularly karate, and I had the opportunity to fulfill an old dream of visiting one of Japan's most important karate centers. I also visited the media center, which serves as the link between Japan and the world, organizing the flow of news in and out of Japan. Like the daily life of the Japanese people, the media is highly organized, leaving nothing to chance. There is no distinction between personal and professional life here in terms of order and respect.

I cannot find words of gratitude that match this profound sense of Japan, but I feel deeply thankful to the Sultanate’s Embassy in Japan, led by His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Mohammed Al-Busaidi, and the advisor Hatem Al-Ya’qoobi. My thanks also go to every Japanese person I met since my arrival in Tokyo, who have granted me this precious, infinitely beautiful opportunity. There is more to be written soon about experiences yet to be lived with love in Japan, as this journey of discovering the fascinating features of this unique planet will continue, God willing.