Saudi Crown Prince’s Visit to Japan
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is scheduled to visit Japan from May 20 to 23, where he will engage in high-level meetings with key Japanese officials.
Importance of Saudi Arabia to Japan
Saudi Arabia plays a significant role as a major oil supplier to Japan. Moreover, its sovereign wealth fund has made strategic investments in the gaming industry, including a stake in Nintendo, showcasing a growing partnership between the two countries.
Meetings and Discussions
During his visit, Crown Prince Mohammed, also known as MBS, will have an audience with Emperor Naruhito and participate in discussions with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. The agenda includes talks on bilateral cooperation and various issues affecting the Middle East and the global community.
Saudi Arabia’s Investments in Gaming
Prince Mohammed’s interest in gaming, particularly “Call of Duty,” has led to substantial investments in the sector. In 2022, a $38-billion investment strategy was announced for the Savvy Games Group, owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), which later became a major shareholder in Nintendo.
Future Plans and Initiatives
Saudi Arabia is aiming to establish itself as a prominent player in the gaming industry, with plans for an eSports World Cup and a theme park based on the popular “Dragon Ball” manga franchise. These initiatives align with the Vision 2030 program to diversify the kingdom’s economy and enhance its global reputation.
Challenges and Criticisms
Despite these developments, Saudi Arabia faces criticism for its human rights record, including the treatment of dissidents and the tragic case of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The country’s efforts to transition away from oil towards sustainable energy sources are also under scrutiny.
Energy Cooperation
With Japan heavily reliant on oil imports from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region, there is growing interest in energy diversification. Japanese firms are exploring investments in hydrogen and ammonia production projects in the Gulf to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainability.
