From the Director
When we think about the relations between Japan and the Middle East, the first thing that comes to mind may be oil. Japan is heavily reliant on imported oil, of which, about 90 percent comes from the Middle East. The Oil Crisis after the 1973 Arab-Israeli War deeply shook the Japanese economy.
Almost half a century has passed since then, but Japan remains largely dependent on energy imports from the Middle East. Meanwhile, several developing Asian countries have aggressively advanced into the Middle East. As a result, the economic structures related to energy and trade between Asia and the Middle East, and between the world and the Middle East have greatly changed.
Previously, the relations between Japan and the Middle East were largely economic, but have now diversified into culture and politics as well. Japan has played a significant role in various conflicts in the region, including the Middle East peace process, the Gulf Crisis/War, and the Iraq War. In addition, Japanese anime, manga, and video games are popular among the youth in the Middle East.
On the other hand, it is undeniable that the Middle East remains politically and economically unstable. Triggered by 9/11, frequent terrorist attacks were carried out all over the world, to which many Japanese people fell victim. Several regimes in the region were ousted during the 2011 “Arab Spring” as well. The subsequent turmoil provoked additional terrorist attacks and conflicts––rendering stability in the region uncertain.
The Japanese Institute of Middle Eastern Economies (JIME)––which was established in 1974 in the aftermath of the Oil Crisis–– has provided vital and timely information to the companies and organization operating in the Middle East. Since making a fresh start in 2005 as JIME Center, a unit of the Institute of Energy Economics, Japan (IEEJ), researchers of the Center have been dedicatedly conducting daily analyses of the regional situation. They are professionals who possess a considerable amount of experience in the region, and a good command of its languages.
Despite the political and economic quagmire in the Middle East, its importance for Japan has not decreased. The Center aims to continue delivering timely analyses and policy recommendations on Middle Eastern politics and economy to its corporate member companies. We appreciate your continued support to the Center.