29 Apr 2026

The University of Botswana has received a donation of over 140 books through the Read Japan Project, aimed at enriching academic resources and deepening understanding of Japanese culture.

The comprehensive paperback collection offers thought-provoking insights into Japanese culture, language, and heritage. 

It spans a wide range of subjects, including politics, media, popular culture, and geology.

The project seeks to enhance knowledge transfer to Batswana and the wider SADC region by providing valuable perspectives on Japan. 

It also aims to stimulate intellectual discourse and broaden academic engagement beyond traditional Japanese studies.

This donation is among the outcomes of a Memorandum of Understanding between the University of Botswana and National University of Akita. 

The partnership led to the establishment of the Study in Japan Global Network Project office in Botswana.

Housed within the Faculty of Humanities, the office aims to create accessible pathways for students to study in Japan, including scholarship opportunities. 

It also focuses on equipping beneficiaries with basic Japanese language skills to reduce language barriers.

Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences, Professor Thapelo Otlogetswe, expressed appreciation to the Read Japan Project for allowing the university to select books tailored to its needs.

“These books, which we personally selected, will be highly relevant to our audience. 

They go beyond language to include cultural aspects, ensuring that our students are well-prepared to adapt and settle when they go to Japan,” he said.

Since its inception, the Read Japan Project has contributed significantly to improving literacy and access to academic resources, donating over 1 400 books globally.

According to Kashima Kohei, First Secretary in charge of Public Relations and Culture at the Embassy of Japan in Botswana, the initiative was designed to promote a balanced and comprehensive understanding of Japan through international knowledge-sharing programmes.

The project is administered by the Tokyo Foundation for Policy Research with financial support from the Nippon Foundation. 

It has previously benefited local institutions such as Botswana Open University, the Institute of Development Management, and the Botswana National Library Service. ends