The people of the State of Qatar mourn with deep sorrow the passing of His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, the father amir. His departure brings profound sadness, yet he will remain in our hearts as a great leader devoted to Qatar’s renaissance, its people’s dignity and constructive relations among nations.
His achievements extended far beyond Qatar. He helped resolve civil conflicts and foster peace in Lebanon, Sudan, Palestine and several African countries. Condolence gatherings held in many nations in recognition of his humanitarian contributions testify to a legacy that earned him the title Amir of Humanity.
In Japan, he should also be remembered as a leader who helped build an enduring partnership between Japan and Qatar.
The sheikh governed Qatar from 1995 to 2013, a period of extraordinary transformation. Under his leadership, Qatar developed its natural resources with long-term vision, invested in education and human development, expanded its diplomacy and became an active contributor to international dialogue.
His achievements were measured not only in buildings, institutions or economic indicators. At the heart of his vision was the belief that prosperity should develop people, support partners and serve the international community. Japan held an important place in that vision.
Built on mutual confidence
The modern relationship between Qatar and Japan was shaped substantially by liquefied natural gas. As Qatar developed its LNG industry on a major scale, Japanese companies, financial institutions and energy utilities were among the first to recognize its potential.
Japanese companies contributed technology, engineering expertise, investment and commercial confidence. Japan’s long-term commitment as a major purchaser of Qatari LNG helped establish an industry that transformed Qatar’s economy.
This was never a one-sided relationship. Qatar strengthened Japan’s energy security, while Japan contributed to Qatar’s industrial development. It was a partnership based on reliability and mutual benefit, not simply a transaction between producer and customer.
Al-Thani’s personal diplomacy reinforced that spirit. As amir, he visited Japan in 1999 and 2005 with senior delegations. These visits elevated relations beyond energy and strengthened communication between both countries’ leaders and institutions. During his reign, the Japan-Qatar Joint Economic Committee was established, creating a framework for cooperation in trade, energy, investment and industry.
A friend in hard times
The sheikh’s regard for Japan was most clearly demonstrated after the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami that struck on March 11, 2011.
Immediately after the disaster, his highness announced a $100 million contribution to relief and reconstruction. He also ordered a round-the-clock task force within Qatar Petroleum to coordinate the response. This initiative became the Qatar Friendship Fund, supporting sustainable projects in affected communities, especially in education, healthcare and fisheries.
One notable project was the multifunctional fisheries facility in Onagawa, Miyagi Prefecture. It helped restore livelihoods and revive an industry central to the town’s identity. Other projects supported children, schools, entrepreneurs and communities seeking not only to rebuild, but to create a hopeful future.
Qatar also arranged approximately
4 million tons of additional LNG to help Japan meet severe energy challenges after the disaster. Japanese leaders have since recalled Qatar’s assistance as a symbol of the deep friendship between the countries.
This response reflected the sheikh’s understanding of friendship. Relations between nations, in his view, could not be limited to ceremonies or economic agreements. Their true meaning appeared when one partner faced hardship and the other acted without hesitation.
For many Qataris, Japan was already a trusted partner in our development. In 2011, Qatar stood beside Japan in its hour of need. This mutual support remains one of the most meaningful chapters in our bilateral relationship.
Beyond energy
The sheikh understood that lasting relations must connect people, as well as governments and economies.
Reflecting his affection for the Japanese people and culture, the amir directed the opening of the Japanese School in Doha in 2009 as a step toward introducing the Japanese education system in Qatar.
In 2012, during the final full year of his reign, Qatar and Japan marked the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations with an extensive cultural program. Exhibitions, performances, educational events and exchanges introduced each country to the traditions and creativity of the other. These initiatives expanded the relationship beyond LNG into culture, education, science, sport and personal friendship.
Today, Qatar and Japan enjoy a strategic partnership spanning political dialogue, energy security, investment, defense exchanges, infrastructure, culture, education and cleaner energy. This relationship has continued to develop under His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, amir of the State of Qatar.
Yet its foundations were built over many years. The late sheikh helped establish them by treating Japan not merely as an important market, but as a trusted national partner.
An enduring legacy
He will be remembered in Qatar as the architect of our modern renaissance. He led the country through historic change and gave Qatar the confidence to engage with the world while remaining rooted in its identity and values.
In Japan, his legacy can be found in the energy that supported homes and industries, in the Tohoku communities that received Qatar’s support and in the friendship that continues to unite our peoples.
At this time of national mourning, we are grateful for the sympathy extended to Qatar by friends worldwide. We also remember the special place Japan held in the life and vision of the late amir.
His passing brings sadness, but the bridges he built remain strong. The most fitting tribute is to preserve those bridges and continue expanding the Qatar-Japan partnership for the prosperity of our peoples and for peace and cooperation in the wider world.
May Almighty Allah have mercy upon the sheikh, reward him for his dedicated service to his nation and grant him eternal peace.
This content was compiled in collaboration with the embassy. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of the newspaper.
