Japan’s long-standing admiration for Egypt’s ancient civilisation lies at the heart of its unwavering support for the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), Japanese Ambassador Fumio Iwai said during a special reception held ahead of the museum’s official inauguration on November 1.
“Some may wonder why Japan chose to support a museum in Egypt, a land rooted in a different civilisation,” Ambassador Iwai said. “The answer lies in the deep and lasting fascination the Japanese people have for Egypt’s ancient heritage. Japan, like Egypt, is a nation with a proud and ancient history. Our peoples share a sense of empathy, bound by mutual respect for the legacies of our civilisations.”
The ambassador highlighted that Japan’s partnership with Egypt on the GEM dates back more than two decades, beginning with former prime ministerJunichiro Koizumi’s visit to Cairo in 2003 and the commencement of construction in 2006.
Over the years, the two nations have worked hand in hand to overcome numerous challenges, collaborating across a wide range of areas including construction funding, conservation, restoration, and the safe transport of invaluable artefacts — among them treasures associated with Tutankhamun and the renowned Second Solar Boat of King Khufu.
Japan’s contribution extends well beyond financial and technical assistance. “The glass panels that adorn the GEM’s façade and exhibition halls are made in Japan,” Ambassador Iwai noted, acknowledging the role of several Japanese private sector companies and ongoing co-operation to support the museum’s operations.
As the GEM prepares to open its doors, relations between Egypt and Japan continue to strengthen. The ambassador pointed out that direct flights between the two countries recently doubled in frequency to meet rising demand, reflecting the growing enthusiasm among Japanese travellers — many of whom regard a visit to Egypt as a lifelong dream.
Ambassador Iwai expressed hope that the GEM would not only serve as a symbol of friendship between Japan and Egypt but also stand as a cultural bridge linking Egypt with the wider world.
