Donation of Books on “Understanding Japan” to the National Library of Namibia
2021/9/8
(From left) Ambassador HARADA Hideaki, Ms. Sarah Negumbo, Mr. Gerhard N. Vries, Ms. Hedwich Meyer
On Wednesday, 8 September 2021, H.E.Mr. HARADA Hideaki, Ambassador of Japan, donated 30 books on “Understanding Japan” from Nippon Foundation to the National Library of Namibia, Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture.
Nippon Foundation, since its establishment in 1962 as a non-profit philanthropic organization, has been active in various field both in Japan and abroad. The “READ JAPAN PROJECT” is one of the foundation’s activities and uses outstanding books to provide readers around the world with an accurate picture of Japan. In particular, the foundation hopes to reach out to young researchers who are interested in Japan, as well as opinion leaders and intellectuals specializing in areas other than Japanese studies.
At the handover ceremony Ambassador HARADA said that "I would like to emphasize that the education is an indispensable key to open the gate towards a nation filled with prosperity, peace, stability and strength. I believe the post-war history of Japan may be one of the clearest evidences of this truth. That is why the field of education remains a high priority among the Japanese economic cooperation programs. (omit) I sincerely hope that the donated books will be used well by the National Library of Namibia, as many Namibian people as possible will enjoy reading them and enhance their understanding on Japan. I am confident that these books will contribute to strengthening happily existing friendly relations between Japan and Namibia."
Mr. SASAKAWA Yohei, Chairman of the Nippon Foundation, in his remarks delivered by Ambassador HARADA said that "Since 2008, as part of its READ JAPAN PROJECT, the Nippon Foundation has been donating books about Japan written in English to promote an understanding of Japan through books. To date, we have presented more than 74,000 books to libraries and research institutions in 138 countries and regions around the world to familiarize people with contemporary Japan. (omit) We have heard that books about Japan are difficult to find even in libraries and bookstores in your country. We hope that the 30 books donated through this project will give many people the opportunity to deepen their understanding of Japan."
Donated Books
Ms. Sanet Steenkamp, Executive Director, in her speech delivered by Mr. Gerhard Vries said that "On behalf of the Ministry of education, Arts & Culture, I would like to extend our deepest appreciation for this gesture. We really appreciate this donation, as it is not only educating the citizens about Japan, but it is also empowering us to reach goal 4 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which is to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all."
(From Left) Mr. Gerhard N. Vries and Ambassador Hideaki Harada
In addition to mediums such as TV, movies, animations, newspaper or internet, reading books is without doubt an effective way to explore and study different aspects of Japan. The Embassy of Japan sincerely hopes that many Namibian people will make a good use of this opportunity and enhance their knowledge on Japan by enjoying the reading.
Ms. Sanet Steenkamp, Executive Director, in her speech delivered by Mr. Gerhard Vries said that "On behalf of the Ministry of education, Arts & Culture, I would like to extend our deepest appreciation for this gesture. We really appreciate this donation, as it is not only educating the citizens about Japan, but it is also empowering us to reach goal 4 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which is to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all."
(From Left) Mr. Gerhard N. Vries and Ambassador Hideaki Harada
In addition to mediums such as TV, movies, animations, newspaper or internet, reading books is without doubt an effective way to explore and study different aspects of Japan. The Embassy of Japan sincerely hopes that many Namibian people will make a good use of this opportunity and enhance their knowledge on Japan by enjoying the reading.