Japan donates books to Bahria University Islamabad to deepen people-to-people ties

Liaquat Ali

Islamabad: The Embassy of Japan this week donated around 100 books to Bahria University Islamabad under the “READ JAPAN PROJECT”, providing students and faculty with greater access to literature and research material covering Japan’s history, politics, economy, security, international relations, culture and society.

Japanese Ambassador to Pakistan Akamatsu Shuichi visited Bahria University’s Islamabad Campus for the first time and held discussions with Rector Bahria University Vice Admiral Abid Hameed HI (M) on opportunities to further strengthen cooperation between Japan and the university.

The ambassador subsequently participated in a handover ceremony where the collection of books was formally presented to the university. The initiative is part of the READ JAPAN PROJECT, which was launched by the Nippon Foundation in 2008 and is currently administered by the Tokyo Foundation with the objective of promoting a deeper understanding of Japan internationally through books and literature.

The collection selected by Bahria University consists of English-language publications covering a broad range of subjects, including Japanese history, politics, economics, security, international relations, philosophy, literature, language and culture.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Akamatsu congratulated the students and faculty on receiving the collection, describing the books as “bridges of knowledge” between the people of Japan and Pakistan.

He expressed hope that Bahria University students would make full use of the resources and eventually become part of a new generation of bridges connecting the two countries.

The ambassador also highlighted the growing interest in Japan among Pakistani youth, saying the development offered an encouraging foundation for deeper people-to-people relations.

The book donation assumes added significance as Pakistan and Japan prepare to mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations next year. Ambassador Akamatsu expressed the hope that the collection would provide Pakistani students with greater insight into Japan’s culture, society and socio-economic development.

He also highlighted Japan’s longstanding economic cooperation with Pakistan and its emphasis on education and respect for autonomy. The ambassador appreciated Bahria University’s cooperation in promoting people-to-people exchanges and strengthening links between the two countries.

The initiative reflects the role of educational and cultural exchanges in complementing traditional diplomatic and economic relations. By providing students with access to material on Japan’s political, economic and cultural development, the project is intended to encourage greater academic interest and understanding of the country.

Representing Bahria University, Rear Admiral Naeem Sarwar SI (M), Director General of the Islamabad Campus, expressed gratitude to the Nippon Foundation and the Embassy of Japan for the donation.

He said the books would provide students with an opportunity to learn more about Japan and could contribute to creating greater understanding between the two societies, ultimately supporting stronger Japan-Pakistan relations.

The READ JAPAN PROJECT was initiated by the Nippon Foundation in 2008 to promote international understanding of Japan through the donation of English-language books on Japan to research institutions, universities and libraries around the world.

The latest donation to Bahria University adds an educational dimension to the longstanding relationship between Japan and Pakistan, while giving students a dedicated resource for exploring Japan’s history, institutions, culture and socio-economic development.

With the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations approaching, initiatives such as the book donation are expected to contribute to greater awareness among young people and provide additional opportunities for academic and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.