ISLAMABAD (News Desk): Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan H.E. Akamatsu Shuichi visited Bahria University Islamabad Campus on September 24, 2026, where he held discussions with the university leadership on further strengthening cooperation and participated in a ceremony to hand over around 100 books under the “READ JAPAN PROJECT.”
During his first visit to the Islamabad Campus, Ambassador Akamatsu met with Rector Bahria University Vice Admiral Abid Hameed HI (M) and exchanged views on opportunities to enhance cooperation between Japan and Bahria University.
Following the meeting, the Ambassador participated in a book handover ceremony organized by the Embassy of Japan. The collection, provided under the READ JAPAN PROJECT, includes books covering a wide range of subjects related to Japan, including history, politics, economy, security, international relations, philosophy, literature, language and culture.
The READ JAPAN PROJECT was launched by the Nippon Foundation in 2008 and is currently administered by the Tokyo Foundation. The initiative aims to promote a better understanding of Japan around the world through the distribution of English-language books to universities, libraries and research institutions.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Akamatsu congratulated the students and faculty of Bahria University and expressed hope that the books would serve as “bridges of knowledge” between Japan and Pakistan.
He encouraged students to make full use of the collection and expressed the hope that they would become the next generation of bridges between the two countries.
The Ambassador also noted the growing interest in Japan among Pakistani youth. Referring to the upcoming 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Pakistan, he said the books would provide students with valuable insights into Japan’s culture, society and socio-economic development.
Ambassador Akamatsu also highlighted Japan’s longstanding economic cooperation with Pakistan, emphasizing the importance Japan places on education and respect for autonomy. He appreciated Bahria University’s cooperation in promoting people-to-people exchanges between Japan and Pakistan.
Speaking on behalf of Bahria University, Rear Admiral Naeem Sarwar SI (M), Director General Islamabad Campus, Bahria University, expressed gratitude to the Nippon Foundation and the Embassy of Japan for the donation.
He said the collection would help students gain a deeper understanding of Japan and contribute to further strengthening educational and people-to-people ties between Japan and Pakistan.
The book donation reflects continued efforts to promote academic, cultural and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries ahead of the 75th anniversary of Japan-Pakistan diplomatic relations.
