College Of Languages and Translation

For the first time in Egyptian universities: “An Evening of the Japanese Language and Egyptian Culture”

For the first time in the history of Egyptian universities, the College of Languages and Translation at Misr University for Science and Technology (MUST) hosted the fifth edition of the “Japanese Language and Egyptian Culture Evening,” in a distinguished cultural event that reflects the depth of Egyptian-Japanese civilizational ties and underscores the university’s leading role in promoting cultural dialogue and international academic exchange.

The evening was attended by H.E. Mr. Fumio Iwai, Ambassador of Japan to the Arab Republic of Egypt, and his spouse, Mrs. Rieko Iwai, along with Mr. Hayato Furujo, Cultural Counselor at the Embassy of Japan, and Ms. Ayaka Ogata, Representative of the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The event was also attended by a number of university leaders, vice presidents, and deans of faculties, highlighting the significance of the occasion.

The guests were welcomed by Mr. Islam El-Toukhy, Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Misr University for Science and Technology, and Dr. Hala El-Menoufi, President of the University, who expressed their pride in hosting this distinguished cultural event. They affirmed the university’s commitment to strengthening its position as an educational institution open to global cultures and supportive of intellectual and cultural initiatives that enrich the university experience.

The event was held under the patronage of Mr. Khaled El-Toukhy, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, who places great emphasis on advancing academic and cultural activities. He strongly believes in the importance of integrating academic excellence with cultural awareness, fostering students’ global outlook, and enhancing constructive engagement among diverse cultures.

This edition holds particular significance as it marks the first time the event has been hosted on the campus of Misr University for Science and Technology, after previously being organized at the residence of the Japanese Ambassador in Cairo. This transition reflects the confidence placed in the university’s academic and cultural standing, as well as its ability to host high-level international events that strengthen civilizational dialogue and global openness.

The evening was organized in collaboration with the Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology (E-JUST), Benha University, the Faculty of Arts at Cairo University, the Specialized Japanese Translation Program at Cairo University, and Al-Ahram Canadian University, within a framework of academic partnership aimed at broadening cooperation and exchanging expertise.

The program featured a variety of artistic and cultural performances, including singing, theatrical presentations, and voice acting, all performed in Japanese by students from the participating universities. The event also included cultural segments highlighting shared values and common ground between Egyptian and Japanese civilizations, thereby expanding students’ knowledge and deepening their awareness of cultural diversity.

Dr. Hala El-Menoufi emphasized that the university will continue organizing such purposeful cultural events, based on its belief that culture serves as a bridge for human communication and a fundamental pillar in shaping well-rounded students capable of engaging with the world in an open and informed manner. She added that such initiatives also enhance academic relations and international cooperation, reinforcing the university’s role as an educational and cultural platform that combines knowledge and creativity.

For his part, Dr. Hussein Ibrahim, Dean of the College of Languages and Translation, stated that organizing the event reflects the university’s commitment to fostering cultural openness and linking academic study with lived civilizational experiences. He noted that the Japanese Language and Egyptian Culture Evening represents a successful model of interaction between students and diverse cultures, contributing to the development of their linguistic and cultural awareness and strengthening their ability to communicate with the world through its multiple languages and cultures. He further affirmed the faculty’s dedication to integrating education with practical application and international engagement.