Director's Message — Message from the Director
When people think of Japan's relationship with the Middle East, oil is usually the first thing that comes to mind. Japan relies on imports for almost all of its oil, and roughly ninety per cent of that comes from the Middle East. The outbreak of the 1973 Arab–Israeli War (October War) was followed by an oil embargo and production cuts by Arab oil-producing countries, triggering the first oil crisis and profoundly affecting the Japanese economy.
Nearly half a century has passed since then, yet Japan still depends heavily on the Middle East for its energy. At the same time, emerging Asian economies have been expanding their presence in the region, and the economic structures linking Asia, the world and the Middle East — across energy, trade and investment — have changed substantially.
Japan's ties with Middle Eastern countries, which once focused predominantly on economics, have broadened into politics and culture as well. Japan has made significant contributions during various conflicts, including the Middle East peace process, the Gulf crises, and the Iraq War. Japanese anime, manga and video games are enthusiastically embraced by younger generations throughout the region.
At the same time, political and economic instability in the Middle East has been a constant. Since the 9/11 attacks, terrorist incidents have proliferated worldwide, claiming many Japanese lives. The Arab Spring toppled several governments, and the ensuing chaos has produced new threats and conflicts with no end in sight.
JIME Center was established in 1974 as the Middle East Economic Research Institute, shortly after the oil shock, to provide essential, timely information to companies operating in the region. Following its merger with the Institute of Energy Economics, Japan (IEEJ), it became a dedicated division of IEEJ. Our researchers — with extensive field experience and fluency in the languages of the region — work daily to analyse rapidly evolving developments.
Although instability in the Middle East deepens, the region's importance to Japan has not diminished. JIME Center remains committed to delivering timely analysis and policy recommendations on Middle East political economy. We are grateful for your continued support and guidance.
Our Approach
The Japanese Institute of Middle Eastern Economies, the predecessor of today’s JIME Center–IEEJ, was established in 1974. Its immediate impetus was the oil crisis that had erupted the previous year in 1973. Confronted with turmoil, Japan came to recognize the need for a specialized institute capable of providing reliable, on-the-ground analysis of Middle Eastern affairs, leading to the creation of the Institute.
Nearly fifty years on, conflicts still persist across the Middle East, and Japan continues to depend on the region for its energy needs. Moreover, the significance of the Middle East for Japan today is not limited to energy. Looking ahead to a post-oil era, the Gulf oil producers are formulating diverse economic visions and hold strong expectations for cooperation with Japan in many areas, including trade, technological collaboration, and investment. Japan and the Middle East must continue to deepen their ties while adapting to changes in the geopolitical and energy landscape.
Against this backdrop, the JIME Center–IEEJ brings together a new generation of specialists with extensive field experience, delivering daily insights that foster a multifaceted understanding of the region’s rapidly evolving dynamics. We invite you to follow and rely on the Center’s analysis and publications, backed by nearly half a century of accumulated expertise.
The mission of the JIME Center–IEEJ is to convey an accurate picture of “the Middle East today” and to promote understanding of the region in Japan. Our research focuses on the following areas:
1. Politics, Economy, and Energy in the Middle East
We investigate and analyze political, economic, and energy developments in key Middle Eastern and North African countries—especially the Gulf oil producers—drawing on local reporting and on-the-ground fieldwork.
2. Foreign Policy and International Relations
We analyze the foreign policies of Middle Eastern states and their intra-regional relations, as well as how shifts in great-power dynamics affect the international order surrounding the Middle East and the regional balance of power. Based on this analysis, we offer recommendations on courses of action Japan should take.
3. Economic Cooperation in the Decarbonization Era
With climate action now a priority, we study Middle Eastern countries’ strategies for economic diversification toward a post-carbon era—their outlines, implementation status, and cooperation with partners worldwide—with the aim of providing guidance for Japanese companies engaging with the region.
4. Fostering Mutual Understanding
By carefully unpacking the drivers of conflict in a region where diverse religious and ethnic communities coexist, we seek to deepen understanding of Middle Eastern cultures and societies and to advance mutual understanding between Japan and the Middle East.
5. Advancing Scholarship
Each researcher at the Center pursues individual academic interests related to the Middle East. Through sustained research activity, we aim to contribute to the development of Middle East studies and to academia at large.
Business Overview
Basic Data
| Name | JIME Center, The Institute of Energy Economics, Japan (formerly Japanese Institute of Middle Eastern Economies) |
|---|---|
| Established | 1 April 2005 (predecessor: 10 September 1974) |
| Staff | 9 researchers |
Characteristics
- Japan's foremost specialist institution for comprehensive and practical research on the politics, economics, security and energy affairs of the Middle East and North Africa.
- Staff composed of specialists with extensive field experience and researchers seconded from related corporations.
- Systematic collection and databasing of relevant documents and data.
Research coverage
- Arab Middle East — 17 countries and 1 territory
- Non-Arab countries — Iran, Israel, Turkey
- Other — Oil and gas producing states
Organisation
JIME Center is the Middle East research division of The Institute of Energy Economics, Japan (IEEJ).
Organisation Chart
Information Disclosure
Statutory disclosure documents for a General Foundation are listed below.
- Articles of Incorporation (PDF) (Opens in a new window)
- List of Officers (PDF) (Opens in a new window)
- FY2025 Business Plan + Budget (PDF) (Opens in a new window)
- FY2023 Annual Business Report (PDF) (Opens in a new window)
- FY2023 Balance Sheet (PDF) (Opens in a new window)
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