Japanese Ambassador: Egypt Is My Second Home

On the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan, the Embassy of Japan in Egypt has launched a series of cultural and humanitarian events. 

These initiatives highlight the deep-rooted ties between the two nations and Japan's commitment to enhancing cultural exchange with Egypt.

​The Ambassador of Japan to Egypt, Fumio Iwai, hosted a Ramadan Iftar at an organic farm in Saqqara. During the visit, the Ambassador took a field tour to learn about local agricultural practices and sample fresh Egyptian produce.

In a scene reflecting cultural proximity, he joined the local women at the farm in baking traditional Egyptian bread (Aish Baladi) and "Bataw." 

The visit concluded with an Iftar prepared by the Embassy’s private Japanese chef, Tanaka Shigeru, featuring a fusion of Japanese and Egyptian flavors.

​"I am delighted to experience the atmosphere of Ramadan in Egypt for the first time; this month has a unique spirit that reflects the generosity of its people," Ambassador Iwai stated. "My relationship with Egypt spans over four decades, and I consider it my second home. I first came to Cairo to study Arabic, and my daughter was born here. Since then, Egypt has always been a place that draws me back."

​In this context, the Embassy announced the launch of a "Ramadan Fawazir" (Riddles) competition across its official social media platforms. 

The interactive contest introduces the public to Japanese symbols and concepts, including high imperial honors, traditional performing arts, advanced transportation, Samurai values, and Japan's most famous cultural and natural landmarks. 

The competition aims to present engaging information that highlights various aspects of Japanese culture and history.

​This initiative is part of the Embassy’s efforts to strengthen a partnership exceeding 70 years. 

This collaboration has supported landmark projects such as the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), a shining symbol of the partnership involving Japanese funding and restoration expertise, as well as the Cairo Opera House, the Abu El-Reesh Japanese Hospital, and Borg El Arab Airport.

It is worth mentioning that, Japanese investments in Egypt rose to $120 million in 2024, with 72 Japanese companies currently operating in the country. 

Japan also continues to support the development of equipment for the Cairo Opera House and various archaeological restoration projects, alongside the widespread popularity of Japanese martial arts like Judo and Karate across Egypt.