Launch ceremony: New book explores Urdu’s influence on Japanese language
Book explores how Urdu flourished in Japan before partition of India and how it earned its popularity after wards.
A book exploring how Urdu flourished in Japan before the partition of India and how it earned its popularity after wards was launched in Rawalpindi on Saturday, said a press release issued by the Rawalpindi Arts Council.
The book, “Surkh Pholon ki Sabz Khushbo”, has been compiled by Khurram Sohail and is a journey of creativity between two individuals of two countries. The book explores how Japanese characters transformed themselves into Urdu and how Urdu made its way into the Japanese language through short stories and popular readings.
Japanese ambassador Hirsohi Oe was the chief guest at the launching ceremony.
During his address on the occasion, Ambassador Oe said the book launch represents Japan’s efforts to continue promoting bilateral relations in various fields at different levels. He said that this year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Pakistan. In our efforts to enhance ties between the two nations, the Japanese embassy has been holding various cultural events throughout the year, he added.
Japanese embassy counselor Toshikazu Isomura said that there can be no gift more precious than a book on an occasion such as the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 16th, 2012.