AIUB inaugurates Japan Corner

The American International University–Bangladesh (AIUB) hosted the inauguration ceremony of the Japan Corner, a dedicated space in the university library that aims to foster cultural exchange, academic collaboration, and mutual understanding between Japan and Bangladesh. The event took place on May 12 with guests from the Embassy of Japan, AIUB administration, faculty members, and students in attendance.

The Japan Corner was established through sponsorship by The Nippon Foundation in Japan with administrative support from the Tokyo Foundation for Policy Research, and coordination from the Embassy of Japan in Bangladesh. It features a curated collection of books, multimedia resources, and cultural artefacts that promote Japanese language, arts, and education.

The collection includes 186 books, donated under The Read Japan Project, 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 and libraries worldwide. Now administered by the Tokyo Foundation for Policy Research, the initiative targets young researchers, opinion leaders, and intellectuals interested in Japan and its global impact.

The ceremony was graced by Saida Shinichi, Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh, as the Chief Guest. He was warmly welcomed by Nadia Anwar, Founder Member and Chairman of the AIUB Board of Trustees (BoT); Dr Hasanul A Hasan, Founder Member, BoT; Ishtiaque Abedin, Founder Member, BoT; and Dr Carmen Z Lamagna, Member, BoT.

Also present were Prof. Dr Saiful Islam, Vice Chancellor; Prof. Dr Md Abdur Rahman, Pro-Vice Chancellor; Dr Nisar Ahmed, Treasurer; Prof. Dr Manzur H Khan, Proctor; Group Captain (Retd) Dr Mohammad Zahidul Islam Khan, Registrar; and the deans of various faculties. From the Embassy of Japan, Yamamoto Kyohei, Second Secretary and Deputy Head of the Public Relations & Culture Section, accompanied the Ambassador.