H.E. Ambassador Adel bin Ali Alsunaini Highlights Japan’s Rich Cultural Heritage and the Role of Cultural Diplomacy in Strengthening Yemen–Japan Relations
H.E. Ambassador Adel bin Ali Alsunaini, Ambassador of the Republic of Yemen to Japan, highlighted the richness and diversity of Japan’s cultural heritage, emphasizing the important role of cultural diplomacy in promoting mutual understanding and strengthening friendship between nations, during his official visit to Gifu Prefecture.
The visit was made at the gracious invitation of Ambassador Masahiro Mikami, Grand Master of Ceremonies of the Imperial Household Agency, and Governor Yoshihide Esaki of Gifu Prefecture. During the visit, Ambassador Alsunaini attended the traditional Ukai (Cormorant Fishing) event on the Nagara River, a remarkable cultural tradition dating back more than 1,300 years and conducted under the patronage of the Imperial Household Agency.
During his visit, H.E. Ambassador Alsunaini met with Ambassador Masahiro Mikami, Grand Master of Ceremonies of the Imperial Household Agency; Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Takehiro Funakoshi; Governor Yoshihide Esaki of Gifu Prefecture; and Mr. Hitoshi Oguri, Mayor of Nakatsugawa City. Discussions focused on ways to further strengthen the friendship and cooperation between the Republic of Yemen and Japan, as well as the role of cultural diplomacy in deepening ties between the two friendly peoples.
The Ambassador also participated in a tour organized by the Gifu Prefectural Government, which showcased the prefecture’s rich historical, cultural, and economic heritage. The tour included a visit to Magome-juku, a beautifully preserved post town along the historic Nakasendo route; the former residence of renowned Japanese writer Shimazaki Toson; and Kobei-gama in Tajimi City, where he learned about the history and craftsmanship of Mino Ware, one of Japan’s most celebrated traditional ceramic arts.
H.E. Ambassador Alsunaini noted that Gifu Prefecture represents a unique example of Japan’s cultural and natural diversity, with its world-renowned heritage sites, historic towns, traditional crafts, and living cultural traditions, including Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Takayama’s historic townscape, Gifu Castle, Gero Onsen hot springs, the centuries-old samurai sword-making tradition of Seki, as well as the distinguished crafts of Mino Washi paper and Mino Ware ceramics.
The Ambassador encouraged visitors to explore Gifu Prefecture and experience its exceptional combination of history, natural beauty, and vibrant cultural heritage, noting that such exchanges contribute to strengthening people-to-people relations and expanding cultural cooperation between Yemen and Japan.
H.E. Ambassador Alsunaini expressed his sincere appreciation to Ambassador Masahiro Mikami, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Takehiro Funakoshi, Governor Yoshihide Esaki, Mayor Hitoshi Oguri, and all those who contributed to organizing the visit for their warm hospitality and thoughtful arrangements. He also expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to share this remarkable expression of Japan’s cultural heritage with members of the diplomatic corps.
H.E. Ambassador Alsunaini reaffirmed his commitment to continuing efforts to strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the Republic of Yemen and Japan across various fields.
