Past Program
The SMEIF aims to further broaden and deepen political, economic, social and cultural exchanges and understanding between Japan and the Middle East. Relations between these countries currently focus on economics, primarily on issues of supply and demand in terms of oil, natural gas and other energy resources. While there is a need to develop more multifaceted exchanges, to be contended with first is the question of the disparity in information available and lack of a shared understanding in Japan and the Middle East. To resolve there issues, the SMEIF has developed these programs, and implements projects designed to expand relations and deepen understanding between Japan and the Middle East.
1. Disseminating information from Japan
With the prevalence of the Internet, outdated images of Japan have become more firmly entrenched in the Middle East, and old stereotypes taken from certain animated films have shaped and unbalanced view of Japan in this region. The SMEIF is working to disseminate more contemporary information related to politics, economics, society and culture in Japan in order to promote a better understanding of modern Japan among the people of the Middle East.
2. People exchanges
To promote a deeper understanding between the Middle East and Japan, the SMEIF invites people from Middle Eastern countries who hold important positions in their respective fields, as well as emerging leaders in various disciplines, to visit Japan. The SMEIF also hosts a wide array of individual-level exchanges between experts and scholars in specialized fields, media figures and young people.
3. Analysis of the Political Situation in the Middle East
The current political changes taking place in the Middle East go beyond the region itself, with effects felt globally. A proper assessment of these trends is indispensable for Japan to further its understanding of the Middle East and develop Middle East-oriented policies. Cooperation must be sought of Middle East experts from around the world in conducting research on such pressing Middle East issues as what social changes have been engendered by democratic movement, and how transitions of political power enabled by this movement are affecting domestic, regional and international politics. Moreover, the results of this study will be disseminated to be shared.
