Town residents of Otsuchi learn more about Saudi Arabian culture.

Otsuchi Town, in the coast of Iwate Prefecture, received relief from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the form of a portion of free LP Gas for residents staying at temporary housings after the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami in 2011. This exchange lead to the town being designated as Saudi Arabia’s “Arigato Host Town” for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games.
In July 2020, the town held a series of lectures to give residents an opportunity to learn more about the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. One of the lectures, which mainly targeted residents working in accommodation facilities and related businesses, introduced many cultural aspects such as Halal foods and traditions of a daily prayer, with the intent to prepare the whole town and warmly welcome the Saudi Arabian athletes.




In another lecture conducted by JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) that was targeted towards local high school students, participants were able to learn not only the culture and traditions, but also on various technical cooperation initiatives from field agents stationed in Saudi Arabia.
During the Olympics, the town plans to host various public viewing events of the games as part of their host town project, and also plans to conduct several international exchange events with the players and residents.


Commerce and Tourism Section
Industry Promotion Division
Otsuchi Town Hall
TEL 0193-42-8725
E-mail eishi@town.otsuchi.iwate.jp
(Japanese inquiries only)

Or

Office of International Affairs
Department of Homeland Promotion
Iwate Prefectural Government
TEL: 019-629-5764
Email: AB0011@pref.iwate.jp
(Inquiries in English or Japanese)