Japanese Book Corner Inaugurated at University of Prishtina’s Central Library

A collection of 181 English-language books on Japan’s history, literature, politics, culture, and heritage now makes up the Japanese Book Corner, officially opened in the Central University Library, which is currently located in the “Pjetër Bogdani” National Library building.

The opening remarks praised the cooperation between the University of Prishtina and Japan, as well as between Kosovo and Japan, noting that meaningful work can always be done with Japanese friends. Speakers also reflected that books are humanity’s best and most loyal friends and announced that more titles will be added to the collection in the future.

Representatives from the Embassy of Japan expressed deep appreciation for the University of Prishtina and its leadership in advancing academic cooperation and strengthening friendly ties between Japan and Kosovo. Special thanks were given for the university’s decision to honor Professor Hisashi Owada, the world-renowned jurist in international law, with the title “Doctor Honoris Causa.”

Mr. Owada received the “Doctor Honoris Causa” title from the University of Prishtina on June 18, 2025. In addition, two Japanese professors participated in the 24th Prishtina International Summer University held in July 2024.

Speeches at today’s inauguration were delivered by the Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Japan in Kosovo, His Excellency Hiroyasu Tanigaki; the Rector of the University of Prishtina, Prof. Arben Hajrullahu; and the Chair of the Central University Library Steering Council, Prof. Arlinda Bytyqi-Damoni. This was followed by a ceremonial handover of the books by Mr. Tanigaki and Rector Hajrullahu.

Attending from the Embassy of Japan were First Secretary Mr. Ken Takeda; Political and Secretariat Advisor Mr. Arbër Myftari; and Consular, Administrative Affairs and Public/Cultural Assistant Ms. Drita Laura Hyseni. Representing the University of Prishtina was the Vice-Rector for Internationalization and Academic Exchange, Prof. Rozafa Basha.

The idea for the Japanese book corner originated in October 2024 during a visit to the University of Prishtina Rectorate by the Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Japan, Keisuke Yamanaka, and a representative of the Tokyo Foundation for Policy Research, Riaki Tanaka. The books were donated by the foundation as part of its “Read Japan Project.