Visit and book donation from the Japan–Malta Friendship Association

The University recently received a delegation from the Japan-Malta Friendship Association. The delegation was led by Association President Prof. Rei Shiratori who is also Professor Emeritus at Tokai University and Dokkyo University, Japan.

The Japan-Malta Friendship Association is an NGO that has supported Malta–Japan academic and cultural exchanges over several years. Prof. Shiratori and his delegation were formally greeted at the Library by the Pro Rector for Strategic Planning and Sustainability, Prof. Valerie Sollars and members of staff of the Library and the International Office. The delegation’s visit started with a tour of the Library led by the Administrative Director for Library Services, Mr Kevin J. Ellul. The Melitensia Special Collections section and the Archives and Rare Books Department were the highlights of this library tour.

The delegation was shown valued items including The Malta Illustrata by Gian Frangisk Abela, dated 1772 and which includes maps and descriptions of the Maltese Islands in the 18th century. Gian Frangisk Abela dedicated this work to Grand Master Manuel Pinto de Fonseca. They were also shown botanical drawings by Prof. Guido Lanfranco, and some intricately illustrated genealogy trees which form part of the Bonavita collection. They were also shown the oldest book which we have within this Rare Books Collection which is a Bible dating back to 1552.

Following the tour, the delegation was greeted into the Board Room where Prof. Shiratori thanked the University for welcoming him and his delegation, after over twenty years since his first visit for another book donation to the University of Malta. Prof Shiratori presented copies of three of his books including Seasons in Japan; Gaming, Simulations, and Society; and Building Democracies: Ukraine and Japan. Several members from the Japanese delegation also donated personal book choices including novels by acclaimed Japanese authors, a children's publication, city guide books and a book entitled The Japanese Sake' Bible.

In presenting Prof. Shiatori with a copy of the UM publication, The University of Malta, Legacies and Bearings, Prof. Sollars proceeded to thank Prof. Shiratori for his visit and the valuable contribution of books which were specifically chosen by the Association and which would enrich the University's collection. She also made reference to the growing number of Japanese students on our campus as well as the many research and exchange agreements that are in place. Such arrangements allow for strong collaboration between the University of Malta and several Japanese Universities.

Two Japanese students who are presently pursuing their studies at the University of Malta joined the delegation during their visit on Campus.