150 books from Nippon Foundation

Faculty, staff, and students are present at the Book Donation Turnover Ceremony for the Nippon Foundation's Read Japan Project last March 24. International Studies Department

A book donation has expanded Far Eastern University (FEU)’s collection of Japanese scholarship, giving students and faculty across the university access to materials spanning Japan’s politics, economy, history, arts, and culture. On behalf of the university, the Main Library received 150 books donated through the Nippon Foundation’s Read Japan Project during a turnover ceremony last March 24 at the Special Collections Section.

The Read Japan Project operates with the goal of providing readers worldwide with an accurate picture of Japan through the donation of outstanding books. While primarily targeting young researchers interested in Japan, it also reaches opinion leaders and intellectuals from disciplines beyond Japan Studies.

The ceremony was attended by Associate Dean Francis Esteban, International Studies (IS) Department Chair Dr. Rex L. Llonora, University Librarian Dr. Maria Gia Gamolo, and IS students.

“These books are additional learning materials for students and faculty who are interested in exploring the politics, economy, history, arts, and people of Japan,” said Llonora. “This will help the department’s goal in establishing strong collaboration with its partners such as the Japan International Cooperation Agency and in strengthening the 2024 curriculum with concentrations on Area Studies [East Asia].”

Beyond the classroom, Llonora sees the donation as a step toward deeper institutional ties.

“This will help the goal of the department and FEU to strengthen our partnership with the Government of Japan and other Japan-based organizations such as the Tokyo Foundation [and Nippon Foundation],” he said.

The initiative also reflects FEU’s ongoing internationalization efforts. As Llonora noted, “This helps us set up a stronger reputation in international linkages and partnership. Maintaining our communication and organizing activities that help both the university and our partner create a more sustained and results-based partnership.”

The Nippon Foundation’s Read Japan Project has previously donated books to higher education institution in the Philippines, though only to a limited number of recipients. The recent inclusion of FEU in the program marks the university’s entry into this network that receives Japanese scholarly resources.

To learn more about the International Studies program, please visit: https://www.feu.edu.ph/institute-of-arts-and-sciences/bachelor-of-arts-in-international-studies/