Japan to Expand Egyptian-Japanese Schools to 90

 Japan is planning to expand the network of Egyptian-Japanese schools in Egypt from the current 69 institutions to 90 schools in the near future, Japan’s ambassador to Egypt, Fumio Iwai, said on Tuesday. The expansion plan reflects Tokyo’s commitment to strengthening educational ties and investing in human capital development in Egypt. 

In his remarks, Ambassador Iwai confirmed that discussions are underway with the Egyptian Ministry of Education to make Japanese language classes optional for seventh-grade students starting next academic year. The proposed course will broaden students’ exposure to Japanese culture and language, complementing the existing Egyptian-Japanese curriculum. 

The ambassador emphasized that the educational partnership extends from early childhood education to university and postgraduate levels, with Japan providing expert teachers and specialists to support knowledge transfer and capacity building among Egyptian educators. The program also continues to apply the “Tokkatsu” approach, a Japanese educational philosophy that nurtures teamwork, responsibility and life skills. 

Ambassador Iwai described the current bilateral relationship between Tokyo and Cairo as “excellent,” noting that it was elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership following a 2023 visit by former Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and an agreement with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. Japan is working to turn that strategic vision into concrete initiatives that reinforce cooperation across sectors. 

In addition to education, Ambassador Iwai said consultations on a new Samurai bond issuance have reached advanced stages, involving both public and private sector participation. Previous issuances of Japanese Samurai bonds in Egypt raised $500 million each, supporting development projects across the country. 

The planned increase in Egyptian-Japanese schools comes against the backdrop of broader efforts by both governments to modernize Egypt’s education system and enhance skills development, with Japan playing a key role in teacher training, curriculum design and cultural exchange programs.