January 12, 2004
"Asiako Baibhav" - Book on Asian Values Launched
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On December 21, Minister for Information and Communications Mr. Kamal Thapa launched a book entitled "Asiako Baibhav" or "Wealth of Asia- In Search of Common Values" authored by Mr. Zenji Kaminaga, current Ambassador of Japan to Nepal. The book was originally written in Japanese "BCG. of Asia " in 1998 and then translated into English in 2001 and this time it has been published in Nepali by the Japan University Students' Association, Nepal (JUSAN).
Besides discussing the Beauty, Concept, and Graciousness (BCG) of Asia that have disappeared or been forgotten in post-war Japan, the author focuses on how the current Japan might coexist with Asia. The book consists of notes based on the author's experiences and thoughts and provides ample information on history, religion, culture, philosophy and love of a country and wonderful values of Asia. As a comparison with Asia, he has also mentioned European ways of thinking.
During his long diplomatic career, Ambassador Kaminaga has assumed various positions at home and abroad. In addition to his positions at home such as director of Cultural Affairs Division II and of Middle East Affairs Division I, he had also served as the Emperor's interpreter in the Imperial Household as well as Visiting Professor of Saitama University. He is also the author of "The Wisdom of Europe". In recent years, he served his diplomatic assignments abroad in the Embassy of Japan in Indonesia, India and the Philippines. Before being appointed Ambassador to Nepal, he served as Japanese Ambassador to the Sultanate of Oman.
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Minister Thapa congratulated Ambassador Kaminaga on launching the Nepali version of the book "Asiako Baibhav" and paid tribute to the Ambassador for his commitment as a diplomat and an author for promoting recognition of Asian culture and its unique values. "Ambassador Kaminaga is not only a diplomat, but also an Ambassador of Asian culture and values", commented the Minister.
Expressing his heartfelt thanks to JUSAN for translating the book into Nepali, Ambassador Kaminaga remarked that Nepal is a wonderful country inhabited by innocent people, bounteous in natural beauty, and rich in religious traditions. The birthplace of Lord Buddha deserves to be called the heart of Asia. He further expressed his hope that the book would help the Nepali readers realize what values of Asia they can share in common with each other as Asian people, and in what way Nepal can become one of the big players in Asian affairs and contributor to world peace.
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The book release program was followed by a symposium on "Study in Japan" under the chairmanship of Mr. Kedar Bhakat Mathema, former Vice-Chancellor of Tribhuvan University and Ambassador to Japan. Three papers namely: "Manpower Planning for National Development in Nepal, and Contribution of Japan", "Education system in Japan and Nepal and Opportunities for Academic Exchange" and "Benefits of Studying in Japan, Challenges after Return" were presented in the symposium.
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