An academic delegation from Shikoku University, led by Professor Suzuki Takeshi, along with representatives from Kamiita Village in Japan, visited Jordan from February 14th to February 18th, 2025. The purpose of the visit was to study the revival of the indigo plant (Indigofera tinctoria) in Ghor al-Safi and Ghor Fifa regions as part of the Friendly Cities Initiative. The visit also aimed to explore new channels of cooperation between the two countries, with the intention of continuing this collaboration beyond the end of the 2025 Osaka Expo. This project may be included within the framework of international cooperation provided to Jordan by JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) to develop agricultural processes, enhance production efficiency, and transfer knowledge, training, and education to the local community. 

As part of the visit program, two workshops were organized in Ghor Fifa. The first workshop trained local women in Japanese dyeing techniques using indigo. In the second workshop, students from Ghor Fifa School and students from Takashi School in Kamiita Village conducted a practical application of the indigo dyeing process, with the participation of Japanese students via Zoom. 

The delegation’s program also included a visit to the Princess Taghrid Institute for Development and Training. During the visit, the next steps for developing this project with the communities of Ghor Fifa and Ghor al-Safi were discussed, including training on planting and caring for the indigo plant and preparing suitable land for its cultivation. 

The Deputy Commissioner General accompanied the visiting delegation during their visit to the Ministry of Education, where they met with Dr. Ahmad Al-Masa’feh, Director of the General Education Department. The meeting explored ways of cooperation between the two countries. Professor Takeshi expressed his readiness to provide applied education in STEAM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) to school students. These tools are applied in the indigo industry to improve sustainability and quality. 

Subsequently, the delegation visited the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, where they met with Her Excellency Ms. Lina Annab, who welcomed the delegation and expressed great interest in following up on and investing in this project, as she had been interested in the indigo plant and its uses since her tenure as Jordan’s Ambassador to Japan. Her Excellency also briefed the delegation on a study she had prepared on the stages of indigo cultivation, dye extraction, and product manufacturing. 

The delegation concluded their visit with a meeting with the Japanese Ambassador to Amman, in the presence of the Director of JICA Jordan. They provided an overview of the activities carried out by the delegation and emphasized the need to find ways to support and develop the indigo cultivation project in Ghor al-Safi and Ghor Fifa regions.