The Consul General of Japan in Karachi, Hattori Masaru, donated 110 books to Greenwich university under the Read Japan Project, a global initiative designed to promote a deeper understanding of Japan through literature and educational resources. The books, provided through the support of the Nippon Foundation, were formally handed over during a ceremony attended by faculty members, students, and university officials.
The collection has been placed at the Japan Resource Center, a dedicated section within the Greenwich university’s library, where students and researchers will have access to a wide range of material on Japan. Speaking at the event, Hattori Masaru said the Read Japan Project seeks to strengthen international understanding of Japan by making books on the country’s history, culture, politics, economy, and sports available to readers around the world.
He encouraged students to make full use of the collection, describing books as an important gateway to learning about different societies and cultures. The consul general said the donated titles offer valuable insights into various aspects of Japanese life and development. He expressed hope that the collection would help students gain a broader perspective on Japan and foster stronger educational and cultural connections between the two countries.
Hattori also highlighted opportunities available for students interested in pursuing higher education in Japan. He urged young people to explore scholarship programs offered by Japanese institutions and government-supported initiatives, noting that academic exchanges play an important role in strengthening bilateral relations and promoting mutual understanding.
University officials welcomed the donation and described it as a meaningful addition to the institution’s academic resources. Addressing the ceremony, Pro Vice Chancellor Greenwich university Dr. Naveed Mughal praised Japan’s progress and achievements, calling the country a notable example of successful nation-building and development. Dr. Mughal said Japan’s experience offers important lessons in innovation, discipline, resilience, and economic growth. He encouraged students to actively engage with the donated collection and use it as a resource for expanding their knowledge of Japan’s history, technological advancements, cultural heritage, and contributions to the global community. The ceremony reflected the growing educational and cultural ties between Pakistan and Japan, with both sides emphasizing the importance of academic collaboration and people-to-people exchanges.
The establishment of the Japan Resource Center and the addition of the new collection are expected to provide students with greater opportunities to study and understand one of Asia’s most influential nations. The Read Japan Project has supported similar initiatives in universities and educational institutions across the world, aiming to make authoritative and accessible information about Japan available to wider audiences.
Through such efforts, the project seeks to encourage cross-cultural dialogue and strengthen international appreciation of Japan’s society and achievements.
