The contest, themed "Draw a Japanese element in a Qatari setting," successfully engaged creative talents across Qatar, attracting over 130 entries from artists of diverse ages and backgrounds. The winning artworks beautifully merged Japanese and Qatari cultural elements, truly embodying the spirit of mutual appreciation.

In his opening remarks, HE Naoto Hisajima, Ambassador of Japan to Qatar, commended all participants for their exceptional creativity, and expressed his sincere hope that initiatives like this would continue to enhance the excellent bilateral relationship between Japan and Qatar.

The first prize went to Ms. Moza Al Marri for her captivating piece titled “Qahwa wa Chai – Coffee and Tea.”.

The judging panel, which included the brilliant Qatari artist Ms. Kholoud Al-Ali, praised the participants for their creative works that truly captured the elegance of Japanese aesthetics and the warmth of Qatari environment.

The contest was co-organized by Geekdom, Nakama, and the Japanese Club at Qatar University. The Embassy also extended its gratitude to the valuable sponsors for their support, including Teyseer Motors – Suzuki, FNAC Qatar, Daiso Japan, and North Café.

Ambassador Naoto Hisajima concluded by expressing his sincere appreciation to the co-organizers and the sponsors for their commitment and support to this significant cultural event.

In comments to the Qatar Tribune, General Manager of Daiso expressed his pleasure in sponsoring the event, highlighting the strong historical ties between Japan and Qatar, which began with Japan's first oil and gas deal. He praised the high quality of the artwork submitted, which he felt beautifully represented the bond between the two nations. He also took the opportunity to promote the Daiso brand, noting its global presence with over 5,600 branches and its constant innovation, with 700 new items created monthly. He confirmed the brand's ongoing expansion in Qatar, with two new branches set to open within the next three to four months.

On the sidelines, top awardee Moza Al Marri, a Qatari artist and interior design student at Virginia Commonwealth University, explained her winning digital artwork. Titled “Kahwa to Ucha,” the piece merges Qatari and Japanese cultures by depicting traditional coffee and tea. Her research into the countries' long-standing relations, dating to 1972, inspired her to illustrate two elderly women, symbolizing the shared values of hospitality and the historical connection. She also shared that a recent study trip to Japan, where she visited the Qatar Pavilion, further influenced her appreciation for the cultural fusion.

When asked about her confidence and communication skills, Al Marri emphasized their critical importance for professional growth. She advised young people to actively participate, step out of their comfort zones, and seize opportunities to present themselves and network, as this visibility is essential for success in the art and design fields.