READ JAPAN Project expanded its educational outreach in Pakistan on Wednesday as Japan donated 164 books to Mehran University of Engineering and Technology in Jamshoro to promote a deeper understanding of Japanese culture, history and society.
The book handover ceremony took place in collaboration with the Tokyo Foundation. Acting Consul General of Japan in Karachi, Tamura Takahiro, presented the collection to the university on behalf of the foundation.
The donated books cover a wide range of subjects related to Japan and form part of the Tokyo Foundation’s global cultural initiative to improve international understanding through academic resources.
During the ceremony, Tamura highlighted the importance of academic and cultural exchanges in strengthening the long-standing relationship between Japan and Pakistan. He said the books would serve as a valuable resource for students, researchers, intellectuals and opinion leaders interested in learning more about Japan.
Meanwhile, Mehran University Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Tauha Hussain Ali recalled Japan’s longstanding support for the institution. He noted that the university received key equipment from Japan during its establishment and has participated in Japanese exchange programmes, including JENESYS and SAKURA.
Furthermore, he thanked the Consulate-General of Japan in Karachi and the Tokyo Foundation for the second donation under the READ JAPAN Project. He also expressed hope for stronger academic cooperation between the university and Japan in the future.
The Tokyo Foundation launched the READ JAPAN Project in 2008 with financial support from the Nippon Foundation. Since then, the initiative has donated English-language books to libraries and research institutions around the world to promote knowledge-sharing and cultural diplomacy.
