Visit of the Ambassador of Japan

Nothing delights a learner, not even an achievement than an opportunity to learn more.

The Sawaru Nihongo Group of visually impaired students studying Japanese language in the Blind Relief Association (B.R.A.) was overjoyed when the Ambassador of Japan, H.E.Mr. Kenji Hiramatsu along with his spouse Mrs. Patricia Hiramatsu, visited B.R.A to present study materials of Japanese in Braille.

While sources in Japanese language are available to the students, fetching materials in Braille has remained a challenge. On their visit to B.R.A. on 12 April, the Ambassador and his wife gave away to the students a set of Minna No Nihongo containing graded lessons in Braille.

The students interacted with the Ambassador on their passion for the language and culture of Japan and their visit to Japan in 2016 through a Cultural Exchange Programme. Listening to the students speak in Japanese, the Ambassador said, “I am greatly impressed by the interest I see here, you speak very well. I hope to visit again and help in ways possible.” Mrs. Itsuko Nandi, professionally trained Japanese volunteer and veteran who has been connected with the Blind Relief Association along with six students was present at the discussion.

The Ambassador and his wife also observed the various programmes run by the Association. This visit from the Embassy of Japan follows the visit of the wife of the Foreign Minister of Japan, Mrs. Kaori Kono on 8 January 2019, when she promised to send these Braille books for the students. For Mrs. Patricia Hiramatsu, this was the third visit to B.R.A. Hony. General Secretary Mrs. Benu Nath and Hony. Joint Secretary Mrs. Radhika Bharat Ram were also present at the occasion.