{"id":675849,"date":"2025-11-19T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-11-19T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/2025\/11\/19\/inside-japans-two-decade-partnership-with-the-gem\/"},"modified":"2025-11-19T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"2025-11-19T00:00:00","slug":"inside-japans-two-decade-partnership-with-the-gem","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/2025\/11\/19\/inside-japans-two-decade-partnership-with-the-gem\/","title":{"rendered":"Inside Japan\u2019s two-decade partnership with the GEM"},"content":{"rendered":"

Through JICA, Japan has been supporting the GEM since 2006, in a long-term initiative <\/strong>running through 2025 and extending into new programs that will continue until 2029.<\/strong> \u201cOur cooperation includes the financial support for the construction and the capacity development of the GEM,\u201d Yo Ebisawa Chief Representative of JICA Egypt Office said in an introductory clip about the museum. This collaboration also spans conservation technology, and training programs that would position the GEM as a regional hub for heritage science.<\/p>\n

A Strategic push on culture, tourism, and long-term growth:<\/strong> Following the 2011 downturn in tourism and foreign investment, JICA viewed the museum as a central pillar for economic and social development and provided supplemental concessional financing to complete the museum construction.. Tourism remains one of Egypt\u2019s biggest FX generators, and better use of cultural assets \u2014 through exhibitions, education, and research \u2014 is key to strengthening the sector. JICA\u2019s broader cooperation vision focuses on maintaining the GEM\u2019s value as a world-class museum and supporting long-term tourism development built around heritage.<\/p>\n

Japan financed the museum through two concessional loans \u2014 JPY 34.8 bn (c. USD 244 <\/strong>mn) in 2006 and JPY 49.4 bn (c. USD 374 mn) in 2016, <\/strong>covering construction, exhibition spaces, ICT systems, site works, and consulting services. These loans helped shape the physical and technological backbone of the GEM.<\/p>\n

Beyond financing, JICA contributed heavily to the museum\u2019s technical capabilities: <\/strong>Its support included ICT systems across the museum, Toshiba facial-recognition technology, AGC showcase glass, 3D documentation tools, and AR\/VR reproductions of artifacts that would be accessible through QR codes. Equipment such as digital microscopes, portable X-ray machines, electric forklifts, and spider cranes strengthened the museum\u2019s conservation and artifact-handling infrastructure. \u201cJICA has also supported the 2nd King Khufu\u2019s boat conservation lead by Professor Sakuji Yoshimura, who has long been involved in Egyptian archaeology, and has led the prominent Egyptian-Japanese expert team for the excavation, transportation, and restoration of the boat which is one of the major attractions of GEM\u201d, Ebisawa noted.<\/p>\n

The GEM Conservation Center \u2014 constructed by the Government of Egypt and opened in 2010 now one of the region\u2019s most advanced \u2014 is a direct <\/strong>result of this cooperation. <\/strong>JICA helped develop the archaeological database covering 5,500 Tutankhamun artifacts, collaborated on the conservation of 72 objects across wood, textiles, and wall paintings, and supported scientific investigations that revealed details such as the bentwood structure of Tutankhamun\u2019s chariots and the fine quality of linen used in his garments. <\/p>\n

The training component was sizable: <\/strong>107 programs and 2,250 training opportunities for conservators, scientists, and curators, alongside the safe transportation of around 20k artifacts to the GEM.<\/p>\n

Indirect support also appears in JICA\u2019s infrastructure portfolio, which include a commitment of <\/strong>USD 1.8 bn f<\/strong>und for Cairo Metro Line 4 \u2014 Phase 1<\/strong>. The phase spans around 18 km and 17 stations, including both a GEM Station and an El Remaya Station, improving future access to the museum and the Pyramids Plateau.<\/p>\n

With the GEM now open, cooperation has shifted toward operations and management:<\/strong> The support for management of the Grand Egyptian Museum project places Japanese experts \u2014 including the First Assistant Executive Director \u2014 within the museum to support the Grand Egyptian Museum Authority in strengthening marketing, PR, digital services, and international relations. And more is coming\u2026<\/p>\n

\u2026Two major programs have begun:<\/strong><\/p>\n