Japan’s new ambassador to Egypt Oka Hiroshi has revealed that this year will be a special year for Egypt in his country.
“This will be the Year of Egypt in Japan,” Ambassador Oka said.
He made these remarks in the first Japanese tea party for the New Year “Hatsugama” which was held in the garden of his residence in Cairo.
The party was held in the open as a precautionary measure, given pandemic conditions.
He said 2022 is an important year for Egyptian antiquities as it coincides with the 100th anniversary of discovering the tomb of King Tutankhamun.
“It also marks 200 years since deciphering ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs,” the ambassador said.
Ambassador Oka said his country would organise multiple events on the occasion of the Year of Egypt.
He added that he looks forward to the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum this year too.
Despite Covid-19, the ambassador said, the construction of the museum moved ahead and the facility is now 100 per cent complete.
He noted that Japanese experts participated in the preservation and restoration of the contents of King Tutankhamun tomb, which should be showcased in the museum. “We hope that Japanese tourists will be able to visit the Grand Egyptian Museum in the near future,” Ambassador Oka said.
A host of people, who played an effective role in enhancing Egyptian-Japanese relations in the past period, attended the tea ceremony.
The head of the Urasenke Tankokai Egypt Association, Tarek el-Sayed, made a presentation about serving Japanese tea ceremony.
Ambassador Oka said, “The style and method of serving Japanese tea reflect and sum up Japanese culture.
“They also demonstrate feelings of respect and empathy for others.”
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