Saudi Arabia and Japan no longer see their ties confined to traditional oil deals or car imports. The relationship has evolved into a cross continental strategic partnership that is redefining economic cooperation in the twenty first century.
This shift has been reflected in repeated visits by Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike to the Saudi capital. Her trips have moved beyond protocol and have become intensive working missions aimed at building bridges in technology, innovation and even popular culture.
During her most recent trip to Riyadh, her second this year, Koike took part in the Future Investment Initiative conference, which brought together thousands of investors, thinkers and global decision makers to debate the future of innovation, investment and major economic shifts.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, she outlined the new direction of the relationship, ranging from smart infrastructure development and expertise sharing in building future cities, to launching unique projects such as the world’s first theme park dedicated to the anime franchise Dragon Ball in Qiddiya.
The project, which blends Japan’s soft power with Saudi Arabia’s ambitions in entertainment, shows how culture can drive investment and attract visitors. It underscores how leaders of major cities increasingly view innovation and digital transformation as a shared key to sustainable growth.
The park, the first of its kind globally, is located in Qiddiya about 40 minutes from Riyadh. It spans more than half a million square meters. Announced in March 2024, it is seen as an important step in strengthening content creation and drawing investment into the entertainment and culture sector.
Koike said the project reflects a strong cultural and investment partnership between the two capitals and aims to develop content industries while attracting tourists and investors. She said it clearly shows how culture and entertainment can provide a bridge for economic cooperation between major cities.
Priority Summit in Tokyo
Koike’s visit comes as part of broader economic, technological and strategic cooperation between Riyadh and Tokyo, particularly ahead of the two-day Priority Summit of the Investment Forum Initiative Asia, which will be held in Tokyo on Sunday.
Koike, who will deliver the keynote address at the forum, said the summit aims to turn discussions into practical solutions for economic and social challenges in the region, while promoting sustainable investment and innovation.
She said the goal goes beyond traditional investment debates and includes shaping a vision for Asian leadership in confronting global challenges and achieving sustainable prosperity.
Koike’s first trip to Riyadh this year was in May, when she joined the Fortune Most Powerful Women Summit. That visit focused on women’s leadership, women’s empowerment and the importance of urban policies that help create a better balance between work and life. Her second visit reflects wider cooperation between Riyadh and Tokyo in innovation, technology and the economy.
Strategic partnership
Koike told Asharq Al-Awsat that her repeated visits to Saudi Arabia reflect the growing shared role that Riyadh and Tokyo can play in guiding global discussions. She said cooperation between the two cities includes exchanging expertise in building smart and sustainable cities, digital transformation and innovation in infrastructure, in line with Riyadh’s preparations for hosting Expo 2030 and the 2034 World Cup.
She said the return visit offered a chance to follow how ideas are being transformed into initiatives, particularly in future cities, the green economy and innovation as a driver of growth.
Content and culture
Koike said Saudi Japanese cooperation extends beyond investment and technology to include content and culture. Tokyo is a global center for anime and manga, a popular culture that influences all generations.
She said she took part in the Innovation Lab session at the Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh alongside Takahashi Yoichi, the creator of Captain Tsubasa, known in the Arab world as Captain Majid.
She showcased the creative strengths of Japan’s content industry, which combines technical precision with modern innovation, and said the session attracted strong attention from participants.
Koike said Japan’s cooperation with Saudi Arabia to establish the first anime themed park, based on Dragon Ball, highlights the ability of both countries to expand content creation and attract tourists and investors at the same time.
Tokyo bonds
In a different part of the discussion, Koike said Tokyo is working to position itself as a leader in resilient and sustainable finance. She said Tokyo issued Tokyo Resilience Bonds in global markets as the first internationally certified bonds designed to support a sustainable and resilient society.
She said proceeds will be used to address rising damage from storms and floods caused by climate change.
She added that Tokyo’s government is working to strengthen public private partnerships in renewable energy projects and impact investment, reaffirming its commitment to driving sustainable growth and innovation at the regional level.
Exceptional path
Yuriko Koike was born in 1952 in Kobe Prefecture to a family in the oil trade. Her political engagement began during her student days, when she took part in leadership elections for groups and classrooms.
Before entering politics, she worked as a television presenter fluent in Arabic and English. She later served as a lawmaker, then environment minister, then defense minister, before becoming Tokyo’s first female governor in 2016, breaking traditional barriers facing women in senior positions.
Since taking office, Koike has focused on building smart and sustainable infrastructure, including addressing natural challenges such as heat waves, floods and fires, improving quality of life for residents and encouraging marriage and a supportive environment for raising children.
