Since 2009, the Sasakawa Peace Foundation has implemented exchange programs between Japan and countries in the Middle East, with a particular focus on Iran, in order to build people-to-people networks and relationships based on trust. In order to build upon the exchanges we have had thus far with Iran, this project seeks to strengthen exchanges with Middle Eastern countries – especially Turkey and Egypt – by inviting opinion leaders to Japan. Furthermore, we will support research and exchange activities for the next generation of Middle Eastern researchers in order to lay the foundations for the Society for Early Career Researchers of Modern Middle Eastern Studies, which was launched in FY 2021. Through this multifaceted approach, we aim to contribute to the promotion of mutual understanding and multifaceted exchange between Japan and countries in the Middle East.