Uhuru Hosts Japan–Saudi Collaboration Roundtable

Stakeholders from METI and the Saudi Arabia Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan delivered remarks and took questions on public–private collaboration toward Expo 2030 Riyadh.

Uhuru Corporation co-hosted the “Japan–Saudi Collaboration Roundtable” with the Graduate School of EdTech on June 23, 2026.

The event was held as a small-group seminar to explore new possibilities for collaboration between Japan and Saudi Arabia from policy, business, and practical perspectives, with Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan and Expo 2030 Riyadh in view.

The program featured a presentation by an official responsible for Saudi Arabia affairs in the Middle East and Africa Division of Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), who provided an overview of Saudi Arabia’s national strategy “Saudi Vision 2030,” the “Saudi-Japan Vision 2030” initiative promoted by both governments, and Japan’s efforts toward Expo 2030 Riyadh.

In addition, Ms. Viera Inagaki, who served as an interpreter and supported event planning and operations at the Saudi Arabia Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, shared insights from her on-site experience, as well as key considerations for Japanese companies seeking to collaborate with Saudi Arabia.

The seminar brought together participants from a wide range of sectors, including business, local government, and education. Following the presentations, participants engaged in an active Q&A session and networking discussion covering topics such as market entry and investment in Saudi Arabia, smart cities, AI, and Expo 2030 Riyadh.

Opening Remarks

At the beginning of the seminar, Uhuru President and CEO Takashi Sonoda explained the purpose behind organizing the event.

Uhuru has been highlighting opportunities for Japan–Saudi collaboration in areas such as tourism, entertainment, sports, and cultural industries through initiatives including a research and development promotion program with a Saudi Arabian national research institute and participation in Japan–Saudi-related events at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan.

Looking ahead to Expo 2030 Riyadh, he explained that the seminar was designed as a venue where public- and private-sector stakeholders can continue building relationships and exchanging ideas, rather than allowing these opportunities to remain one-off initiatives.

Presentation: Latest Developments in Saudi Arabia and Japan–Saudi Collaboration

Ms. Sato Goto of the Middle East and Africa Division, Trade Policy Bureau, METI, provided an overview of Saudi Arabia’s national strategy “Saudi Vision 2030,” as well as bilateral initiatives including the “Saudi-Japan Vision 2030” framework promoted by the governments of Japan and Saudi Arabia.

The presentation highlighted growing cooperation between Japan and Saudi Arabia across a wide range of fields, including tourism, AI, space, smart cities, and the transfer of Expo operational expertise. It also noted that Expo 2030 Riyadh represents an important opportunity for Saudi Arabia to showcase its national strategy to the world.

She emphasized that Japanese companies considering expansion into Saudi Arabia should pursue co-creation aligned with Saudi Arabia’s national vision, rather than simply providing technology.

Presentation: Collaboration with Saudi Arabia – Insights from the Saudi Arabia Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan

Drawing on approximately seven months of experience at the Saudi Arabia Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, Ms. Inagaki shared practical insights and cultural perspectives on collaboration with Saudi Arabia.

She described the rapid transformation underway in the country, including highly sophisticated project execution led by Saudi stakeholders, participation by highly skilled professionals from around the world, high quality standards, and a scale of ambition exceeding conventional expectations.

She also emphasized that Japanese companies should avoid assuming that their own business norms apply universally, and instead deepen their understanding of Saudi culture and values. In addition, she highlighted the importance of clearly linking proposals to Saudi Vision 2030.

Closing Discussion and Networking

Following the presentations, participants raised questions on topics such as Japanese companies’ expansion into Saudi Arabia, investment opportunities, smart cities, AI, infrastructure development, and Expo 2030 Riyadh.

During the networking session, participants exchanged ideas across industries and sectors and discussed potential opportunities for future collaboration.

Uhuru’s Ongoing Initiatives

Uhuru has been strengthening its network with Saudi Arabian government-related organizations and companies. In 2023, the company joined the Future Investment Initiative (FII) Institute, an international organization established by a Saudi sovereign wealth fund, and continues dialogue with government and industry stakeholders on the potential use of data and AI in areas such as Expo 2030 Riyadh, tourism, and entertainment.

Going forward, Uhuru will continue to leverage its expertise and track record in supporting digital transformation across industries to expand its business in the Saudi Arabian market. With Expo 2030 Riyadh in view, the company will continue working with Japanese companies, local governments, and educational institutions to create new value.