Tokyo museum appreciates UAE’s efforts

Dr Sheikha Shamma Bint Mohammed Bin Khalid Al Nahyan, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalid Al Nahyan Cultural and Educational Institutions, visited the Tokyo National Museum, one of Japan’s premier cultural institutions dedicated to the preservation and global presentation of Japanese heritage.

She and the accompanying delegation were received by Kuwano Kazutaka, Director of Cultural Research at the museum, and Samuel Tan, Director of International Relations, who warmly welcomed her and expressed their great pleasure at a visit that reflects the deep historical and cultural ties between the peoples of the United Arab Emirates and Japan.

During the guided tour, accompanied by museum officials, Sheikha Shamma viewed a number of distinguished departments, including the fine arts section, which houses a rare collection of paintings and sculptures documenting the development of Japanese art through the ages.

She also visited galleries displaying precious artifacts from different historical periods - including everyday implements, traditional clothing, and exquisitely crafted ceramics - as well as collections related to the culture of the samurai warriors.

Sheikha Shamma also discussed with museum officials avenues for cultural cooperation between the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalid Al Nahyan Cultural and Educational Institutions and the museum, stressing the importance of enhancing intellectual and cultural exchange between cultural institutions to support the values of dialogue and mutual understanding among peoples.

At the close of the visit, museum officials expressed their deep appreciation to the United Arab Emirates and their gratitude to Sheikha Shamma for the valuable visit and the constructive dialogue that took place.

In a related programme, Sheikha Shamma also visited the official State Guest House in central Tokyo, where she toured the various parts of the residence and became acquainted with the protocols observed in receiving international guests, reflecting her interest in learning about the formal aspects and longstanding traditions of Japanese official culture.

The Japan visit reflected Sheikha Shamma’s keen interest in the arts and human heritage and her commitment to strengthening cultural bridges between peoples.

It also underscored the importance of civilisational dialogue and cross-cultural knowledge exchange.

On Thursday, Sheikha Shamma visited key public welfare organisations in Tokyo focused on peace, education and environmental awareness, as part of her participation in Expo Osaka 2025.

Among the organisations visited were Peace Boat and the International Nature School, where Sheikha Shamma explored pioneering initiatives that reflect a global commitment to sustainable development and intercultural dialogue.

During her visit to Peace Boat, Sheikha Shamma was received by Yoshioka Tatsuya, Founder and Director of the organisation, who presented a detailed overview of its work in promoting peace and understanding among peoples, protecting the environment, and supporting the principles of sustainability.

Sheikha Shamma expressed her admiration for the organisation’s initiatives, noting their alignment with the mission and values of the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalid Al Nahyan Cultural and Educational Institutions.

At the conclusion of the visit, she presented a collection of books introducing the UAE, including several of her own publications.

The gesture formed part of the “Knowledge for Humanity” initiative, which she launched in 2021 to enhance the UAE’s cultural and intellectual presence globally by gifting books about the country, its leadership, and selected authored works to institutions around the world.

Sheikha Shamma also visited the International Nature School in Tokyo, a leading Japanese institution that integrates education with nature through field-based activities that allow children to explore and engage directly with the environment.

The meeting included discussions on potential cooperation between the International Nature School and the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalid Al Nahyan Cultural and Educational Institutions, with the aim of promoting environmental awareness among children in both countries and fostering educational exchange.

At the end of the visit, Sheikha Shamma presented a set of books introducing the UAE, including the children’s story “Grandfather Hamdan’s Treasure,” authored by Sheikha Rodha Bint Nahyan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

These visits reflect Sheikha Shamma’s commitment to fostering international cooperation, learning from pioneering community and educational experiences, and supporting initiatives that promote peace and environmental stewardship. Through these efforts, she continues to champion the “Knowledge for Humanity” initiative, which seeks to share Emirati culture and strengthen intercultural engagement with communities around the world.

WAM