The Consulate-General of Japan in Karachi, in collaboration with the Tokyo Foundation, donated 164 books to Mehran University of Engineering and Technology (MUET), Jamshoro, under the ‘Read Japan Project’ during a ceremony held on Wednesday.

The books were formally handed over by Acting Consul General of Japan Tamura Takahiro on behalf of the Tokyo Foundation. The collection covers a broad range of subjects related to Japan and is intended to support academic research and promote a deeper understanding of the country.

Addressing the ceremony, Tamura highlighted the importance of academic and cultural exchanges in strengthening the longstanding relationship between Japan and Pakistan.

He expressed hope that the donated books would serve as a valuable resource for researchers, students, opinion leaders and intellectuals seeking an accurate understanding of Japan.

Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Tauha Hussain Ali recalled that Mehran University received its pioneering equipment from Japan when it was established, reflecting the long-standing cooperation between the two countries.

He also noted that the university has participated in Japanese exchange programmes, including ‘JENESYS’ and ‘SAKURA’, and thanked the Consulate-General of Japan in Karachi and the Tokyo Foundation for the second donation of books.

He expressed hope that the initiative would further strengthen ties between the university and the Japanese consulate.

The ‘Read Japan Project’, launched by the Tokyo Foundation with financial support from the Nippon Foundation, has been donating English-language books on Japan to libraries and research institutions worldwide since 2008.

The initiative seeks to promote cultural diplomacy and improve global access to high-quality literature on Japan by supporting academic institutions around the world.