University in Bangladesh Inaugurates Japan Corner Sponsored by The Nippon Foundation
Published on June 5, 2025
The American International University–Bangladesh (AIUB), one of the top private universities in Bangladesh, recently hosted the inauguration ceremony for the Japan Corner, a dedicated space in its library that aims to foster cultural exchange, academic collaboration and mutual understanding between Japan and the South Asian country.
The center was established through sponsorship by The Nippon Foundation, with administrative support from the Tokyo Foundation, our partner organization, and coordination from the Embassy of Japan in the capital Dhaka. It features a curated collection of books, multimedia resources and cultural artefacts that promote Japanese language, arts and education.
The ceremony took place on May 12 with distinguished guests, including Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Shinichi Saida, as well as AIUB administrators, faculty members and students in attendance.
The collection includes 186 books donated under the Read Japan Project, which was initiated by The Nippon Foundation in 2008. The project seeks to promote a deeper understanding of Japan by distributing English-language books about the country to universities, libraries and research institutions worldwide. While the project mainly targets young researchers who are interested in Japan, it also aims to engage opinion leaders and intellectuals specializing in areas other than Japan studies.
The titles selected by an international panel of experts cover genres including politics and international relations, economics and business, society and culture, history, literature and the arts, manga and the Japanese language.
I sincerely hope AIUB’s students and faculty will read these books avidly, deepening their understanding of contemporary Japan and strengthening ties between our two countries.
Since its inception in 2008, the Read Japan Project has donated books to over 1,460 institutions in more than 150 countries worldwide. AIUB is the twelfth recipient in Bangladesh.
Japanese Ambassador Saida was welcomed by Ms. Nadia Anwar, founder member and honorable chairman of the AIUB Board of Trustees; Dr. Hasanul A. Hasan, founder member; Mr. Ishtiaque Abedin, founder member; and Dr. Carmen Z. Lamagna, member of the Board of Trustees.
Also present were Professor Dr. Saiful Islam, vice chancellor; Professor Dr. Abdur Rahman, pro-vice chancellor; Dr. Nisar Ahmed, treasurer; Professor Dr. Manzur H Khan, proctor; Group Captain (retired) Dr. Mohammad Zahidul Islam Khan, registrar; and the respected deans of various faculties. From the Embassy of Japan, Mr. Kyohei Yamamoto, second secretary and deputy head of the Public Relations and Culture Section, accompanied the ambassador.