Japanese Ambassador to Nepal Maeda Toru hosted a send-off party at his Residence for Nepali students who will be studying in Japan under the Japanese Government Scholarship granted by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan.

The Government of Japan grants this scholarship to international students who want to pursue higher studies in Japan for undergraduate, graduate, specialized training college students, and teachers. Japan started selection of Nepali students in 1957, just one year after the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

This spring, six Nepali students in total - three for master’s, two for undergraduate and one for specialized training college – will go to Japan to obtain their degrees and specialized skill, reads a statement issued by the Japanese Embassy in Kathmandu.

On the occasion, Ambassador Maeda congratulated the successfully selected scholarship students and expressed his hope that they would make their best efforts in a good learning environment in Japan.

The Ambassador also encouraged the students to venture out of the school to experience various aspects of Japanese culture, and make Japanese friends. He stated that he believes that with the knowledge and experience thus acquired, the students will contribute to Nepal's development and play an important role in Japan-Nepal relations in the future.

Dr Sunil Babu Shrestha, president of Japanese Universities Alumni Association, Nepal (JUAAN) also offered valuable advice to the students about life and university in Japan, as he himself had experienced them, according to the statement.

The Embassy is confident that these young scholars will serve as an important bridge between Japan and Nepal and contribute to further strengthening mutual understanding, friendship, and cooperation between the two countries.