A S U

Prof. Yomna Safwat, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Al-Alsun and Supervisor of the Japanese Language Department at Ain Shams University, received a high-level delegation from Hiroshima University comprising 28 students from various disciplines, headed by Dr. Asakura Takamichi, Associate Professor at Hiroshima University. The visit was coordinated with Ms. Okumura, Director of the Hiroshima University Office in Cairo, and attended by Mr. Furujo Hayato, First Secretary at the Embassy of Japan in Egypt, along with faculty members from the Japanese Language Department.

The visit aimed to strengthen academic cooperation between Ain Shams University and Hiroshima University, with both sides discussing ways to reactivate the student exchange agreement signed in 2015 and maximize its benefits through expanded student mobility and joint academic and research collaboration.

During the meeting, Prof. Yomna Safwat highlighted the distinguished academic level of Al-Alsun graduates and the growing demand for graduates of newly established departments, particularly the Japanese Language Department. She also discussed with the Japanese Embassy representative the continued support for the department through sending specialized language experts to enhance students’ practical communication skills in line with labor market needs.

Dr. Asakura Takamichi affirmed Hiroshima University’s commitment to expanding the agreement and increasing student exchanges and academic visits to broaden students’ horizons and promote cultural understanding between Egypt and Japan. At the conclusion of the official meeting, the student delegation presented commemorative gifts from Japan to Prof. Yomna Safwat in appreciation of her efforts in supporting academic cooperation.

The delegation toured the Japanese Language Department’s library and laboratories, attended a second-year lecture, and interacted directly with students, providing an opportunity for Egyptian students to practice Japanese in a real-world academic setting. The visit also included an interactive seminar at the Faculty’s simultaneous interpretation hall, where students from both universities engaged in discussions on language, culture, history, and daily life in Egypt and Japan.

The program concluded with an open dialogue and exchange of contact information between students to encourage continued communication and future collaboration. Hiroshima University students expressed their appreciation for the warm reception and excellent organization, reaffirming their interest in strengthening academic ties in the coming period.