Islamabad (GNP): Yu Okamoto, Deputy Head of Public Affairs at the Embassy of Japan in Islamabad, was the chief guest at the programme. She highlighted the importance of such initiatives in promoting people-to-people contacts and strengthening educational ties between Pakistan and Japan.
The Kake Educational Institution of Japan organized its annual Japanese Language Speech Contest at more than 13 locations around the world, including Pakistan. The contest provides students learning Japanese with an opportunity to demonstrate their language skills, confidence, and understanding of Japanese culture.
Yu Okamoto, addressing the 16th Japanese Speech Contest participants, she appreciated their talent and efforts in delivering speeches in Japanese. She noted that each speech was unique and fascinating, and encouraged the participants to continue improving their knowledge of the Japanese language and culture.
She emphasized that learning a foreign language requires enjoying the process, setting goals, and making conscious efforts to understand the country’s culture, values, and society. She also highlighted the growing educational links between Pakistan and Japan, noting that Pakistani students travel to Japan each year to pursue higher education through various scholarship programmes.
Many graduates return to Pakistan and contribute to fields including education, engineering, healthcare, business, and public service. Japanese companies in Pakistan are also increasingly seeking talented Pakistani professionals with Japanese-language skills.
She further noted that the Japanese Foundation Test for Basic Japanese (JST Basic) can now be taken online in Pakistan for both study and employment purposes. The Embassy also shares information about language opportunities, cultural events, and stories that strengthen ties between the two countries.
As Pakistan and Japan approach the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, she expressed hope that the longstanding friendship between the two countries will continue to grow. She thanked the host institution for promoting Japanese-language studies and congratulated all participants on their achievements, wishing them success in their future endeavours.
Japanese language students, teachers, educational representatives, and other guests interested in Japan also attended the event. The objective was to further strengthen educational and cultural relations between the two countries.
According to Chaudhry Hamid Latif, Director of Okayama University of Science (OUS), Japan, learning the Japanese language can provide Pakistani students with a strong foundation for pursuing higher education and exploring opportunities connected with Japan.
He said that proficiency in Japanese can also help students adapt more effectively to the Japanese educational and social environment.
Chaudhry Hamid Latif said: “Language is not merely a means of communication; it carries within it the history, traditions, values, and social character of a nation.”
Also read: Japan-Pakistan 75th Anniversary Logo Design Competition Announced
He further said that the Japanese language is particularly known for its politeness, respect, and consideration for others, while many Japanese words and expressions reflect sensitivity toward the feelings and circumstances of other people.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
