SAKIGAKE管理人 Introduction
As part of the optional program of the WAOJE Global Conference 2025 in Dubai, SAKIGAKE JAPAN CEO Munetoshi Kondo participated in the Saudi Arabia Tour.
The tour, organized and guided by Mr. Kazutaka Mori, Head of WAOJE Dubai Chapter, took place on September 24–25, 2025, focusing on Riyadh. It aimed to deepen mutual understanding between Japan and the Middle East through on-site learning about the local business environment and culture.
Participants engaged in discussions with Japanese and Saudi entrepreneurs active in the region, as well as corporate visits that offered firsthand insight into Saudi Arabia’s dynamic present and ambitious future.
The Changing Face of Saudi Arabia and Its People
Saudi Arabia is undergoing a historic transformation — shifting from an oil-dependent economic structure toward diversification.
Under the national strategy “Vision 2030,” the government is investing heavily in non-oil sectors such as tourism, entertainment, and technology. Across Riyadh, one could feel the momentum of new industries and the birth of a modern cultural identity.
The people we met were both devout and open-minded — polite, sincere, and intellectually curious. Their emphasis on building relationships through mutual trust resonated deeply with Japanese values.
Another striking observation was the growing presence of women in business and education. The sight of young Saudi women confidently leading in professional spaces was emblematic of a society embracing change while honoring tradition.
Visit to Manga Arabia
One of the most inspiring moments of the tour was a visit to Manga Arabia, a creative media company operated by Saudi Research and Media Group (SRMG) — one of the Middle East’s largest government-affiliated media organizations.
Manga Arabia produces manga and animation content in Arabic, sharing the creative spirit of Japanese storytelling with a new generation across the Arab world.
Many editors and creators at Manga Arabia had studied in Japan. They spoke passionately about blending Japanese narrative craftsmanship with Arab cultural identity — striving to “share new perspectives with Arab youth while respecting Japanese creativity.”
Rather than a simple export of Japanese culture, Manga Arabia represents a reinterpretation through local sensibilities, creating a truly reciprocal form of cultural exchange.
We were also impressed by their integration of AI-driven animation tools and advanced 3D production techniques, reflecting the rapid growth of Saudi Arabia’s tech and creative sectors.
(Pictured: WAOJE entrepreneurs and members of Manga Arabia)
Toward the Co-Creation of Technology and Culture
Our visit to Manga Arabia reaffirmed a powerful truth — that the fusion of culture and technology is the driving force behind new international collaboration.
Japan’s spirit of meticulous craftsmanship and its culture of empathy continue to inspire innovation across design, education, and technology worldwide.
At SAKIGAKE JAPAN, we aim to build on this foundation of cultural understanding to foster collaboration centered on disaster prevention and climate-adaptive technologies — strengthening long-term trust between Japan and Saudi Arabia.
Our experience in Riyadh was more than a business visit; it was a reminder of our founding philosophy:
“Leave Japan for Japan — to serve the world and, in turn, strengthen Japan itself.”
Related Links
SAKIGAKE JAPAN Product & Solution Catalog
WAOJE World Conference in Dubai Participation Report (Representative: Munetoshi Kondo)