TTN

Japan is for everyone

TTN interviewed Hisashi Michigami, the Consul-General of Japan in Dubai,and got some insight into what makes Japan tick
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Mt. Fuji, perhaps one of the most iconic sites of Japan

'In Japan, everything is clean, tidy, beautiful and well-organised,' says Hisashi Michigami, Consul General of Japan in Dubai, with a smile. 'This is not a statement I am making; this is the collective feedback I have received from Arab visitors to Japan,' he adds with a smile.

In 2015, Japan welcomed almost 20 million tourists, and the country aims to double this number in the lead up to the 2020 Summer Olympic games and Paralympic games.

While the annual GCC arrivals in Japan is relatively modest compared to the rest of the world, they are increasing fast. 'The number of visitors to Japan from the UAE in particular is rapidly increasing. In the period between 2014 and 2015, we have seen an almost 25 per cent increase. We expect the positive trend to continue this year.'

April, which is the cherry blossom season, is the most popular with Arab visitors, however, Japan is beautiful and interesting in all four seasons. 'From October to November, is also very gorgeous when the colour of the leaves changes into bright yellow and red. In winter, we do get a number of foreign tourists, especially in Hokkaido.'

Japan’s cities are also as striking and varied as its seasons, and visitors from the GCC quite enjoy exploring them, says he. 'Kyoto is traditional, with temples that are a thousand years old and Tokyo is ultra-modern. Then there is Osaka, which is like Dubai and the second biggest city and business centre.'

Also, Emiratis are big followers of manga comics and anime, he says.

'Do you know the world-famous Japanese animation Captain Majid? Show me one Emirati man above the age of 25 who hasn’t heard of Captain Majid,' the Consul-General asks with a smile. Dragonball Z and Pokemon are the other cultural links to Japan. Food tourism is also an interesting area that can be tapped into, with sushi, wagyu beef and ramen being ever-popular dishes around the world.

'The country boasts scenic views and natural beauty, with plentiful greenery and hillsides. And both ultra-modern and traditional culture. Japan is cool!'

'We can also provide halal food,' says he. 'We are increasing a number of halal restaurants in Kyoto and Tokyo. We have a guide map for tourists to show mosques and halal restaurants.' Japan receives a lot of halal requests from Indonesian and Malaysian visitors, so the concept of halal is not new.

But the main message that Japan wants to share with TTN’s readers today is that Japan is not just for rich tourists with deep pockets. 'Let’s explore a different Japan. The popular perception that Japan is expensive is totally misplaced. Of course, Japan does have its ultra-luxurious experiences, but compared to the UAE, Japan is much cheaper. I would like people to explore Japan - it is not like the western world, nor like the Arab, yet you will find it familiar, and similar in some ways.'

Japan and the UAE have a long and excellent bilateral relation. Japan was the biggest trade partner of the UAE for many years. 'And since 2020 is a memorial year for both of the countries, Tokyo hosts Summer Olympic games and Paralympic games, while Dubai hosts the Expo 2020. We want to continue the partnership to make sure it’s a big success for both,' concludes the Consul General.


By Rashi Sen
 

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