Ain Shams University is Opening a Japanese Cultural Centre

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Ain Shams University are opening a Kominkan in Cairo. You may be thinking, ‘a Komi-what?’ Allow us to explain.

First popularized after World War II, Kominkans are community learning centers in Japan that conduct a variety of activities related to education, skills and culture directly connected to the community. Many were established just after World War II under the Social Education Act of 1947. Kominkans were explicitly intended to provide cultural support for post-war communities, through activities that contributed to rebuilding their communities after the devastation and upheavals of warfare. Now, Kominikans are as natural to Japan as our neighbourhood koshk.

Now that the country’s first Kominkan is almost here at Ain Shams University, it hopes to spread the Kominkan model in Egypt. The cultural centre will hold activities to enrich Egyptians’ skills and serve the needs of the local community.