HYDERABAD: Japanese Consul General in Karachi, Hattori Masaru, visited Sindh University on Tuesday and presented books to the university in a gesture of cultural diplomacy and furtherance of Pak-Japan friendship.

The books were donated to Area Study Centre Far East & Southeast Asia on behalf of Nippon Foundation as part of “Read Japan Project”, which was aimed at promoting deeper understanding of Japanese society, language, culture and politics. The centre’s director, Dr. Mukesh Kumar Khatwani, received the gift.

Mr Masaru, who was delighted to visit the university for the first time since assuming his office last December, emphasised friendly relations between Japan and Pakistan and importance of cultural exchanges facilitated through Read Japan Project.

“The Read Japan Project by Nippon Foundation is a donation drive that aims to distribute books to libraries, research institutions and educational entities worldwide to promote understanding of Japanese culture, traditions, history, and more,” said the CG.

The books written by Japanese and non-Japanese scholars, journalists and others cover a wide range of subjects including politics, international relations, economics, culture and literature.

ASC director Dr Mukesh Kumar Khatwani said that ASC had been actively engaged in collaborative research activities with several consulates and embassies, particularly the Japanese Consulate.

He noted February 2022 memorandum of understanding with Pakistan-Japan Intellect Forum to promote Japanese language and culture among varsity students and said that over 40 students had completed basic Japanese language courses through this initiative. He said that books would significantly enhance students’ understanding of Japanese society, language, culture and history.

Published in Dawn, May 23rd, 2024