Grand Museum is 'symbol of cooperation', to increase number of visitors to Egypt: Japanese Amb.

CAIRO - 7 February 2023: The Ambassador of Japan in Cairo, Oka Hiroshi, said that the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), which is a new symbol of cooperation between Japan and Egypt, is expected to bring about a huge increase in the number of foreign visitors to Egypt, including to Japan.

In his speech on the occasion of the celebrating the traditional Japanese tea ritual at his home in Cairo, the ambassador added that he discussed with Egyptian officials ways to further spread Japanese culture and introduce the charm and attractiveness of Japan, as well as further enhancing the momentum of cultural exchange between the two countries.

He also referred to the resumption of the Japanese film screenings in multi-purpose halls inside the embassy, after easing the restrictions imposed on activities due to the Corona pandemic in Egypt and abroad. He also added that school visits have been allowed, since the end of January, to engage with Japanese culture. 

He explained that an evening on Japanese language was organized at his home with the aim of promoting exchange between those studying Japanese in seven Egyptian universities and Japanese trainees studying Arabic in Egypt.

Regarding the tea ceremony, the ambassador said that the style and method of serving Japanese tea (Matcha) may appear at first glance as a mere ritual, but it reflects and summarizes Japanese culture, and the feeling of respect and sympathy for others. 

The ambassador said that the ritual was organized with the efforts and cooperation of members of the Urasenke Tankokai Association, led by Tarek El-Sayed, who is considered the prominent figure in serving Japanese tea in Egypt.

The ambassador stressed that the origin of the name "Tankokai", which is the name of the association, comes from the meaning of "communication and interaction between calm minds and hearts.”

He explained that the "Tankokai" association has 112 overseas venues in 37 countries and regions around the world. It has a rich history of achievements, as it provided Japanese tea to US President George Bush (father) and German Chancellor Angela Merkel when they visited Japan in the past, and it also carried out the ritual of offering Japanese tea abroad.

The ceremony was attended by the Minister of Culture, Dr. Nevin Al-Kilani, Dr. Ghada Shalaby, Deputy Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Mahmoud El-Metini, President of Ain Shams University, Dr. Mahmoud El-Shennawy, President of Galala University, Dr. Ayman Othman, President of Aswan University, and Engineer Marzouq Ali Ahmed, President of the Egyptian Federation for Jude, Aikido and Sumo. .

The ceremony included a presentation and explanation of the meanings of the Japanese tea ritual, and how it represents a welcome to the guests and reflects the love of the Japanese for the other.