CRE Tokyo 2026 | Omotenashi: Japan as I Experienced It
Written by Heba Hassan Amer, Curator and Head of Education, Alexandria National Museum (Egypt, ITP 2024)
There are journeys we take simply to attend a conference, and there are journeys that leave us carrying far more than research papers and conference badges.
My week in Japan was one of those journeys.
When I travelled to Tokyo to participate in Current Research in Egyptology (CRE Tokyo 2026) and attend the 2nd International Symposium of Egyptology (ISET 2026), I expected a busy schedule filled with presentations, discussions, and academic exchange. What I did not expect was that this journey would become a deeply personal experience that would stay with me long after I returned home.
Before visiting Japan, I had often heard the word Omotenashi (おもてなし). It is commonly translated as hospitality, but during my stay I discovered that it means much more. It reflects genuine care for others, thoughtful attention to every detail, and the sincere desire to make every guest feel welcome. Looking back, I cannot think of a better word to describe both the conferences and my experience of Japan.
From the moment I arrived at CRE Tokyo 2026, the spirit of Omotenashi was everywhere. The conference was exceptionally well organized, every session ran smoothly, and the volunteers were always ready to help with kindness and a smile. More importantly, it created an atmosphere where researchers from around the world could exchange ideas, build friendships, and celebrate our shared passion for Egyptology.
Presenting my research was undoubtedly one of the highlights of the week, but once the academic sessions ended each day, another journey began.
I explored Japan beyond the conference halls. I admired the breathtaking Mount Fuji, visited the beautiful Enoshima Island, wandered through peaceful temples and traditional gardens, and enjoyed the country’s stunning coastline. Everywhere I went, I felt the harmony between nature, history, and everyday life.
As a museum curator, I also made time to visit the Tokyo National Museum and the Ancient Orient Museum. Seeing how Japanese museums present both their own heritage and the civilizations of the ancient Near East—including Ancient Egypt—was particularly inspiring. These visits offered valuable ideas about storytelling, interpretation, and creating meaningful museum experiences for visitors.
Yet, if I had to choose the most memorable part of my journey, it would not be Mount Fuji, the museums, or the temples.
It would be the people.
Whether it was a volunteer patiently offering directions, a stranger willing to help despite the language barrier, or the quiet courtesy that seemed present everywhere, I experienced a level of kindness that left a lasting impression. It was in these simple moments that I truly understood Omotenashi—not as a word, but as a way of life.
As I boarded my flight back to Egypt, I realized I was carrying much more than conference notes and photographs. I returned with new ideas for my work, meaningful conversations with colleagues, lasting friendships, and a renewed appreciation for the power of cultural exchange.
CRE Tokyo 2026 was far more than an academic event.
Japan became far more than a destination.
It reminded me that research does more than deepen our understanding of the past—it also opens doors to new cultures, new perspectives, and unforgettable human connections.
Arigatō (ありがとう), Japan, for a week filled with knowledge, kindness, inspiration, and the true spirit of Omotenashi. It is a journey I will always cherish.🌸