Embassy of Japan in Myanmar

On November 2, Ambassador Yasuaki Nogawa accredited Ambassador of Japan to the Union of Myanmar presented his credentials to Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council in Nay Pyi Taw.

He joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in April, 1973. After studying in France, he served at the Head Quarters in the field of public relations, United Nations, Economic Cooperation, and Middle East and Africa. He served at the Embassy of Japan in Italy and Zaire and thereafter, he served as the Director, First Africa Division, Counsellor at the Embassy of Japan in the United Kingdom, Minister at the Embassy of Japan in France, Minister at the Embassy of Japan in India, Deputy Director-General, Middle Eastern and Afrian Affairs Bureau, Ambassador, Deputy Permanent Representative and Consul-General of Japan, Permanent Mission of Japan to the International Organizations in Geneva, Consul-General in Sydney, Australia and Executive Director, Agriculture & Livestock Industries Corporation.

With the cooperation of the Japan Foundation, the introduction and demonstration of Manga (Japanese cartoon) was presented by cartoonist Ms. Machiko Maeyama from Indonesia at a hotel in Yangon on 17 December 2007 . A hands-on training workshop on how to draw Manga was also organized after the demonstration.

The event was patronized by more than 300 people comprised of Japanese Language learners and those who love cartoon. Ms. Maeyama presented the history and special features of Manga with PowerPoint presentation which was very much appreciated by the audience.

About 30 participants including Myanmar cartoonists attended the workshop and Ms. Maeyama demonstrated Japanese Manga drawing techniques in detail. Myanmar cartoonists also demonstrated their skills which contributed to the cultural exchange between the two countries.

These were some of the comments from the participants; “We were surprised to know that Japanese Manga books have been published in many countries with translation into local languages”, “We were not aware that there are so many Manga magazines in Japan”, and “In Myanmar, majority of the cartoonists are male. It is interesting to learn that there are a lot of female Manga cartoonists in Japan ”. The audience seemed greatly interested in development of Manga in Japan .

The Embassy of Japan plans to introduce Japanese Pop Culture such as Manga and Animation in addition to traditional Japanese Culture.

The Japanese Speech Contest 2007 which was co-hosted by the Embassy of Japan and the Myanmar Association of Japan Alumni (MAJA) and supported by the Japanese Chamber of Commerce Yangon (JCCY), was held at a hotel in Yangon on 15 December 2007 with more than 250 people attended the occasion.

This year was the eighth year to hold this annual contest. Since last year, the contest has been held only in Yangon as the National Japanese Speech Contest. A total of 31 entrees were received and after the initial screening 18 were chosen to participate in the contest. As the topic for this year was open, the contents varied from learning Japanese language to one's experience in life, global warming and environmental pollution. The audience was surprised at the contestants' excellent language skills. During the question and answer session, humorous queries from judges entertained the participants and the audience. This year, JCCY donated a 25” television and a DVD player for the first prize winner. The audience was excited with this generous prize.

In the interview with the First Prize Winner - Maung Wai Phyo Naing, he quoted “I wanted to share my views on some issues threatening human beings such as global warming and environmental pollution that I chose the topic Foolish Human to participate in the contest.”, “I took part in the last year and received only a special prize. This year, I was determined to achieve the first prize and I tried really hard. When I got it, I was really happy. The prize of 25” television and a DVD player added to my enjoyment.” and “I'd also try to study political economy at a university in Japan .”

Other contestants said, “Although we did not achieve any prize, we were really excited to hear the prize winners' presentations and appreciated their excellent language skills.”

One of the judges was quite surprised by this year contestants' language skill and said that the proficiency of the contestants were more than expected.

Prize Winners of the Japanese Speech Contest 2007

Prize	Name	Topic of presentation
First	Maung Wai Phyo Naing	Foolish human
Second	Ma Kay Zin Wint	Experience which cannot be replaced
Third	Maung Yan Naing Myint	The thing that should be valued
Special	Maung Aung Ye Htut	Beautiful World
Special	Ma Hnin Nandar Ko	Unforgettable day

The Prize Awarding Ceremony for the Second Japanese Literature Translation Contest 2007 was held in conjunction with the Japanese Speech Contest 2007 at a hotel in Yangon on 15 December 2007 . The said translation contest which took place on March 10, 2007 simultaneously in Yangon and Mandalay was organized by the Japanese Embassy with the cooperation of the Myanmar Association of Japan Alumni (MAJA) and supported by the Japanese Chamber of Commerce Yangon (JCCY).

The annual Japanese Literature Translation Contest has been held to introduce Japanese literature and to improve Japanese proficiency. There are three levels for the contest, namely basic, intermediate and advanced and the contestants are screened according to their level of proficiency. This year, prescribed literatures to be translated into Myanmar for the basic level were three short stories namely “the Foot”, “the Tree of Last Year” and “Candy” all by author Nankichi Nimi; for the intermediate level, “the Spider String” by Ryunosuke Akutagawa; and for the advanced level, “ Orange ” also by Ryunosuke Akutagawa. Altogether (92) contestants from Yangon and (93) contestants from Mandalay took part in the contest.

The first prize winner of the advanced level said “I participated in the test not just for the prize. I wanted my proficiency to be assessed and I was much interested in translation work. Now that I got the prize, my confidence increased.”

Other contestants gave the following comments; “As the style of presentation of the prescribed work is different from ordinary Japanese, it was really difficult but a good experience for me”, and “I came to realize how difficult it is to translate those works into Myanmar ”. Judging from those comments, the contest seemed to boost the enthusiasm of the learners of Japanese Language.

An overall assessment on the contest was explained by U Thet Tun, the former President of the Myanmar Association of Japan Alumni (MAJA), who acted as the Head of Officiating Judges of the contest at the latter part of the awarding ceremony.

In addition to this contest, the Embassy of Japan has been organizing the Japanese Speech Contest, the Japanese Language Proficiency Test and the entrance exams for the Universities in Japan . Moreover, the Embassy has the intention to hold the annual Japanese Film Festival, and a Japanese Music Concert to introduce the Japanese Culture for the Myanmar public.

Prize Winners of the Japanese Literature Translation Contest 2007

Advanced Level
Prize	Name
First	Ma Myint Myint Thein
Second	Ma Kyin Than
Third	Ma Thin Aye Aye Ko

Intermediate Level
Prize	Name
First	Ma Thi Ri Kay Khine
Second	Ma Swe Zin Yu
Third	Maung Zay Yar Lin

Basic Level
Prize	Name
First	Ma Hnin Nandar Ko
Second	Ma Htoo Htoo
Third	Ma Phyu Phyu Aung

• The Japanese Government donated on 5 December 2006 about US$ 79,000 under the Grassroots Grant Assistance scheme for the construction of Aung Zabu Monastic School . The two-story building and related facilities were handed over on 15 November 2007 in the presence of Mr. Hisanori Yoshimura, Second Secretary of the Embassy of Japan, and U Kay Tu Mar Lar, Chairman of Aung Zabu Monastery. At the ceremony, a student representative expressed their gratitude to the Japanese assistance.

• Since 1993 Aung Zabu Monastic School has provided school classes for poor children who do not have chances to go to government schools. In Myanmar , monasteries play a crucial role in education and they have contributed to improve level of education of children from poor families. The two-story building, furniture and toilets provided under Japan 's assistance will make these children's learning environment better.

• The Japanese Government has provided various assistances to the educational sector in Myanmar including construction of more than 150 schools. Education is very important for the country's development and the Japanese Government will keep proving assistance so that more children can benefit from better education.

Unforgettable Experience for Mr. Thaw Zin Oo: An Excursion to Japan under the Japanese-Language Programme for Outstanding Students

The Embassy of Japan in Myanmar annually facilitates a two-week Japan excursion programme for outstanding Japanese language learners in Myanmar organized by the Japan Foundation. In 2007 the Foundation selected 65 participants from 60 countries including Mr. Thaw Zin Oo who learns Japanese at Hito Center in Mandalay , Myanmar .

TZO: Before I went to Japan , I had read quite a lot about Japan and assumed that Japan is a developed industrial country. While I was there, I realized that the development of Japan is not only limited to industry. Japan is also systematically developed in economic, educational and social fields.

TZO: I was most impressed by the Peace Memorial Museum in Hiroshima which reminds people of the terrible consequences of the atomic bomb attack. Through this visit I really came to hate war. I also like Mijiyama Park for its scenic beauty as it is located along a sandy beach and tamed deer roaming around.

TZO: I liked the “Home Stay” programme best. I stayed with a four-member family comprised of a couple and a son and a daughter. They all gave me a warm welcome and treated me as a family member during my stay with them.

Q: We believe you used Japanese Language to communicate with the students from other countries. Who do you think was the best speaker?

TZO: We indeed used Japanese to communicate with each other. We were grouped according to our level of Japanese proficiency. There were only four who had finished Level (I). I was in a group with the students from Brazil , Paraguay and Hungary . Although my grading in the Japanese Language Proficiency was the best among us, from the pronunciation point of view the Brazilian student was the best.

TZO: I'd like to suggest to them that they should not just be satisfied with the result of the proficiency test but should keep on learning. They should try to find many opportunities to practice with native speakers, listen to tapes and also learn Japanese culture and history.

Orientation and Farewell Reception for Monbukagakusho Scholarship Students for 2007 Academic Year was Held

On September 27, in Yangon the orientation and farewell reception was held by the Embassy of Japan for Monbukagakusho Scholarship Students of Myanmar for 2007 Academic Year, who will study at universtiy postgraduate course or other research institutions in Japan from this October.

All of the twenty-four participants are young civil servants, researchers and in-service teachers who are expected to take part in the future nation building in Myanmar. At the orientation, a member of the embassy gave a detailed explanation about the social and academic life in Japan. Furthermore, a former scholarship teacher shared her own useful experience. The participants eagerly asked various questions, from such as how to learn Japanese language and how to write academic thesis to how to take a plane to get to Japan. Since most of the participants have never been to Japan, they look anxious and at the same time hopeful about studying in Japan. This orientaion was useful in assuaging their worries.

Later they attended the Farewell reception, where Mr.Thet Tun, Patron of the Myanmar Association of Japan Alumni (MAJA)and Dr.Aung Kyaw, Chairman of the MAJA and an official of the Embassy of Japan gave warm congratulatory remarks respectively. Mr.Thet Tun stated that since there exists a wide gap between Japan and Myanmar in many respects, students should not just concentrate on study at university but experience and learn the cultural difference between the two countries. Dr. Aung Kyaw said that it is important for the students to acquire the spirit of the Japanese people and to become the bridge of friendship between Japan and Myanmar. In response, Mr. Phone Myint Oo from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs gave his words of thanks on behalf of the students. At the reception several former scholarship students who had recently come back from Japan attended. They all said that they immensely enjoyed studying in Japan and looked radiant with confidence which they gained from successfully overcoming the challenge of their first experience of going abroad.

Monbukagakusho Scholarship started in 1952 and so far more than eight hundred Myanmar students studied in Japan. They have not only become prominent leaders in important fields of the Myanmar society but also served as a valuable bridge between Japan and Myanmar. This scholarship programs and achievements by individual scholarship holders will further promote the friendly relations between Japan and Myanmar.

Handing Over Ceremony of Equipment to Key Blood Banks under National Blood Centre

The Government of Japan, under the Grassroots Grant Assistance (GGA) Scheme, donated about US$ 77,000 to National Blood Centre (NBC) on 16 January 2007 for the procurement of blood testing equipment for 17 blood banks throughout the country. The equipment was handed over on 9 August 2007 in the presence of Mr. Masashi Ogawa, Counsellor of the Embassy of Japan, Dr. U Tin Win Maung, Director General of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Nu Nu Tha, Medical Superintendent of Yangon General Hospital and Dr. Nay Win, Director of National Health Laboratory.

This time, by installing two kinds of new equipment provided under GGA, 17 blood banks all over the country will be able to upgrade their blood analysis systems and supply safer blood for patients.

Signing Ceremony of Japan's Grant Aid Projects 2007: the Human Resource Development Project and the Central Dry Zone Afforestation Project

The Government of Japan decided to grant the Government of the Union of Myanmar 407 million yen for the Human Resource Development Scholarship Project and 61 million yen for the Central Dry Zone Afforestation Project, altogether amounting to 468 million yen. On 28 June 2007 , the exchange of notes for the two projects were signed by H.E. Mr. Nobutake Odano, Ambassador of Japan to the Union of Myanmar, and H.E. U Soe Tha, Minister for National Planning & Economic Development of the Union of Myanmar.

The Human Resource Development Project gives opportunities for youth in the Government and NGOs in Myanmar to study at Japanese universities. So far 133 students have gone to Japan for their studies in master's degree courses, 55 of whom have returned to Myanmar to play active roles in their workplaces.

The Central Dry Zone Afforestation Project started in 2002 for the reforestation of the areas in dry zones in the central Myanmar . Areas totaling to 1,500 hectares are afforested as model forests for the purpose of the improvement of environment through greening, and for the supply of resources to local communities.

In his speech at the signing ceremony, H.E. U Soe Tha emphasized that Japan has provided over 2,000 million yens for the Human Resource Development Project, which has greatly contributed to the development of the ability of Myanmar youth, a critical element for nation building. He also stated that Japan has provided about 1,400 million yens for the Central Dry Zone Afforestation Project, which has contributed to the greening of the area, the improvement of the living condition of local population through forest resources, and the prevention of global warming, a matter of international concern.

The Government of Japan will continue to support people in Myanmar by providing such assistance that will contribute to human resource development favorable for democracy and to the betterment of the living condition of the people.

On 14 May 2007 , a cyclone “Akash” struck Rakhine State adjacent to the border with Bangladesh , resulting in serious damages in Sittway and Kyaukpyu Districts. The total number of the victims was more than 10,000 , includ ing 14 dead and 15 missing , and more than 2,000 houses were destroyed .

Upon the request for assistance by the Government of Myanmar on 29 May 2007 , the Government of Japan , on 5 June 2007 , donated tents and blankets , the total value of which amount ed to 10 million Japanese yen.

The ceremony for handing over the aid material s w as held in Nay Pyi Taw on 14 June 2007, attended by U Than Oo , Director General of the Department of Relief and Resettlement, Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement , and Mr. Hideyuki Yazama , First Secretary of the Embassy of Japan . At the ceremony, the Director General U Than Oo, emphasized that the Government of Myanmar appreciated the swift supports from Japan .

Japan was the only country to which the Government of Myanmar requested assistance for the Rakhine State cyclone victims, which shows deep friendship between the two countries and the Myanmar Government' s unwavering trust in Japan .

The Government of Japan is always prepared for the swift provision of assistance at the occurrence of large-scale natural disasters, including the provision of emergency aid materials to countries as done for the Rakhine cyclone victims , and the dispatch of international emergency relief teams.

Rural Sub-health Centre Inaugurated in Ya Theyt Pyan Village, Hpa-an Township, Kayin State

On January 16 2006 , t he Government of Japan provided a grant of US$18,000 for the construction of a rural sub-health centre in Ya Theyt Pyan V illage in Kayin State under the Grassroots Grant Assistance (GGA) Scheme. The opening ceremony of the rural sub-health centre was held on May 24 2007 , attended by Mr. Hisanori Yoshimura, Secretary of the Embassy of Japan and Dr. Htay Naung, Head of the State Health Department, together with the authorities concerned and residents of the Ya Theyt Pyan V illage.

The residents of the 12 villages in the area (a population of 7,000 in 1,398 households ) including Ya Theyt Pyan V illage had no access to a health-care facility before the construction of this rural sub-health centre . Therefore, they previously rel ied on traveling midwives , and , in the absence of those midwives, they had to resort to traditional physicians or to travel to remote hospitals .

The State Health Department pledged to dispatch medical staff to the rural sub-health centre upon the completion of its construction , which provides the residents in the area with access to swift and proper medical services such as examination, vaccination, and delivery assistance.

The provision of the Japanese G GA for the construction of the rural sub-health centre is aimed at t he better provision of health care services to the people living in rural areas , who have insufficient access to proper medical treatment . The Government of Japan will continue to assist the people under financial constraints through the provision of the health care service.

The 3rd Reporting Session of the Japanese Grant Aid for Human Resource Development Scholarship

The 3rd Reporting Session of the Japanese Grant Aid for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS) was held on 18 May 2007 in Yangon . Along with reporters who have returned from Japan after their studies, Myanmar Government and NGO staff who will study under this year's JDS programme were also invited to this session.

In the reporting session, five Myanmar Government officials who obtained master's degrees from Japanese universities reported on their studies in five respective fields: law, economics, management, communications and agriculture. Among them was a feasibility assessment of safe drinking water supply, a service necessary for rural area development in developing countries. Another was a study of the hotel industry, one of the essential business fields in Myanmar . Based on a questionnaire survey to hoteliers and guests, it explained the importance of strategic hotel management, including the provision of many different types of services in order to satisfy various demands from customers.

Those scholars who specialized in the fields crucial for the self-sustaining development of Myanmar are expected to play vital roles in nation building.

The active question-and-answer time after each presentation provided the future trainees with useful information about Japan .

Since the JDS Project has started in 2001, one hundred and three Myanmar Government and NGO staff have been sent to Japan for study. Fifty-five students have come back to Myanmar with master's degrees and forty-eight are currently studying in Japan . Those who have returned home are now playing active roles in their workplaces, and are serving as bridges between Japan and Myanmar .

On May 30 and 31, in Yangon, Ikebana Demonstration was co-hosted by the Embassy of Japan and the Japan Foundation.

The two visiting professors of *Ikenobo School, Mr.Yasufumi Sasayama and Mr.Masafumi Ishiwata demonstrated the beauty of this traditional Japanese culture by creating both classic and free style works. In two days, these young and dynamic professors attracted around four hundred audience by not only the works themselves but also by their interesting and inspiring talks.

At the workshop, the interested audience had the opportunity to experience Ikebana themselves under the guidance of the professors. Around eighty people, both young and old, men and women did their utmost efforts to create their own Ikebana work.

Some of the comments of the participants are as follows;

"I was very impressed with the way even old leaves and branches are used to create new beauty."

"Ikebana is truly different from other western and Myanmar style flower arrangement. Especially in western style, the arrangement of more flowers tends to be praised as more goregeous, however, I was struck with the simple beauty of Ikebana which is expressed by arranging a few flowers and leaves."

"I wish we could have Ikebana lessons in Yangon."

The Ikebana Demonstration was extremely meaningful for the cultural exchange between Japan and Myanmar in a sense that the audience became interested not only in the way flowers are arranged but also in the unique Japanese way of thinking and sense of beauty which is behind this most attractive traditional art of Japan.

*Ikenobo is a school of Ikebana, or Japanese flower arrangement. It is the oldest school of Ikebana in Japan, having been founded in the 15th century by a Buddhist monk, Ikenobo Senkai. The school, currently headed by its 45th generation grand master, Ikenobo Senei, is based in the Rokkakudo Temple in Kyoto. Additionally, it has various chapters around the world. Please refer to Ikenobo official website for further information. (http://www.ikenobo.jp/english/index.html)

The ceremony to hand over the medical equipments was held at Lashio State General Hospital on 17 th March 2007 . This contribution was made under the Japan 's Grassroots Grant Assistance Scheme.

Among the participants of the ceremony were his Excellency Mr. Nobutake Odano, Ambassador of Japan to Myanmar , Deputy Commander of North-East Command Brig-Gen Hla Myint and Medical Superintendent of Lashio State General Hospital Dr. Khin Maung Wah .

At this ceremony, Ambassador Odano made a speech explaining that the Government of Japan attaches importance to improving public health and medical services in Myanmar , and Dr. Khin Maung Wah ,Medical Superintendent of the hospital expressed his gratitude in his speech, also mentioning that he will make best use of medical equipments provided by the Government of Japan.

The medical equipments provided on this occasion were 27 items, including Large Sterilizer, Artificial Respirator and Oxygen Concentrator, which amount to approximately US$ 57,000.

Lashio State General Hospital is the largest hospital in Nothern Shan State . It treats annually over 85,000 patients. This assistance is expected to improve the quality of hospital's medical services and thereby benefit many local patients.

Orientation and Farewell Reception for Monbukagakusho Scholarship Students for 2007 Academic Year was held.

On March 30, in Yangon, the orientation and farewell reception was held by the Embassy of Japan for Monbukagakusho Scholarship Students of Myanmar for 2007 Academic Year, who will study at university postgraduate course or other research institutions in Japan from this April.

All of the twenty-four participants are either young civil servants or researchers who are expected to take part in the future nation building in Myanmar. At the orientation, a member of the embassy gave a detailed explanation about the social and academic life in Japan. Furthermore, a former scholarship student, Dr.Le Le Wynn shared her own experience. The participants activly asked questions on various matters such as Japanese food, how to prepare for entrance examiniations and how to deal with family issues. The advice given by the ex-students were hopfuly useful in assuaging the anxieties felt by the students.

Later they attended the farewell reception, where Mr.Amano, Charge d'Affaires, the Embassy of Japan, U Thet Tun, Patron of the Myanmar Association of Japan Alumni(MAJA) and U Myint Wai, 1 Deputy President of MAJA presented warm congratulatory remarks respectively. U Thet Tun shared his vivid memories on his first arrival in Japan over sixty years ago. The students were engrossed in his experineces in Japan of almost sixty years ago. The names of some historic figures who he encountered in Japan were mentioned. Time and people of U Thet Tun's time in Japan is completely different from those of the students who are leaving for Japan this April. However, the excitement U Thet Tun felt about studying in Japan is much the same with the current students. U Myint Wai also shared his experiences in Tokyo when he went there very recently. He described the inconvenices he felt in mega city Tokyo in a humourous way. In response, U Kyaw Kyaw Lin, Ministry of Science and Technology delivered his words of thanks on behalf of the students.

Monbukagakusho Scholarships started in 1952 and so far approximately 800 Myanmar students have studied in Japan. They have not only become prominent leaders in important fields of the Myanmar society but also served as valuable bridge between Japan and Myanmar.

The Japanese Film Festival 2007 was held in Yangon at Thamada Cinema from 21-24 February and in Mandalay at WinLite Cinema from 8-11 March.

This annual festival is co-hosted by the Embassy of Japan and the Japan Foundation in cooperation with the Ministry of Information and this year's was the 8 th to be held in Myanmar .

The opening ceremony was held in Yangon on the first day of the festival, with the Minister/Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy Mr. Tetsuro AMANO and the Managing Director of Myanma Motion Pictures Enterprise U Aung Myo Min making the opening speeches.

At this year's festival, altogether three films, including the Japan-Myanmar friendship film “Thway” with two other Japanese films “the Stars Converge”, a Japanese Korean friendship drama and “Mada-dayo (Not Yet)”, one of the films by the famous Japanese director Akira Kurosawa, were shown. The Japan-Myanmar friendship film “Thway” was shown altogether four times, twice in each city on the first and final days of the festival in response to requests from many film enthusiasts.

“The quality of the picture as well as the sound effects were brilliantly unique.” “This is the most emotionally exciting film.” “This should be screened for the general public as soon as possible as the film promotes the friendship between Japan and Myanmar.” were some of the positive comments made by the audience praising the film “Thway”. One of the audience added that it was most satisfying and a good opportunity to see three different Japanese films continuously, appreciating the variety of films shown at the festival.

This year's festival was extremely successful both in Yangon and Mandalay with a house-full audience. The Embassy will continue to introduce excellent Japanese films to Myanmar people.

The Embassy of Japan in coordination with the Japan Foundation held the Japanese Language Teachers' Education Seminar in Yangon at the Embassy and at the Office of the Myanmar Association of Japan Alumni (MAJA) on the 2 nd and 3 rd March 2007 respectively. This seminar was intended to improve the teaching skills of Japanese Language teachers of the whole of Myanmar and was held for the first time after six years.

At the seminar, Ms. Naomi HATTA, Chief Lecturer of the Japanese Language Department at the Japan Foundation in Bangkok , Thailand gave a lecture on a teaching method of Japanese Language to about 100 teachers.

While the morning session of the seminar dealt with the teaching of Basic level Japanese by nurturing communication skills, the afternoon session dealt with the teaching of Intermediate level Japanese by promoting reading skills.

There were positive responses to this seminar from the participants such as “please continue to hold a similar seminar in the future”, “this education seminar was most beneficial as teachers get a chance to learn new and latest Japanese Language teaching methods”, “this is also a good opportunity to meet other Japanese language teachers”. The teachers actively took part in the questions and answers session, discussing on some of the difficulties they encountered as well as seeking clarification on certain points.

The Embassy of Japan, taking account of the increasing number Japanese Language students in Myanmar, hopes to hold a similar education seminar regularly with the aim of promoting the standard of Japanese Language learning and further disseminating the Japanese language in Myanmar.

Provision of Machinery for Rehabilitation of Flood-Affected Farms in Kyaukse District in Mandalay Division.

The Government of Japan has decided to provide its Grant Aid of US$ 179,454 for procurement of machinery for rehabilitation of flood-affected farms in Kyaukse District in Mandalay Division. The Grant Contract to this effect was signed on 23 January 2007 at the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation in Yangon, in the presence of Japanese Ambassador Mr. Nobutake Odano and Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation of Myanmar Major General Htay Oo, between Mr. Masashi Ogawa – Counsellor of the Embassy of Japan in Myanmar, and U Aung Kyin - Chairman of Mandalay Division Agriculture Coordination Committee.

This assistance is for the benefit of the victims of the unexpected heavy rainfall in October, 2006. Due to the flood, about 37 thousand acres of agricultural products were lost and the damage amounted to roughly US$ 3.3 million.

In response to the disaster, the Government of Japan under its Grassroots Grant Assistance Scheme will provide a fund for the purchase of 4 backhoes and 580 pressured sprayers for agricultural use, enabling them to speed up the rehabilitation of the affected farm lands.

(January, 2007)

On May 23^rd and 24^th, the Premiere Show of Japan-Myanmar collaboration film “THWAY” was shown in Yangon and on 30^th and 31^st in Mandalay, with the kind cooperation of the Ministry of Information. It was a successful launching of the film with a full house audience on all four days.

Mr. Koji Chino, the director of this film himself came to Yangon to attend the opening shows, the Japanese Ambassador, Mr. Nobutake Odano and the Acting Managing Director of Myanma Motion Pictures Enterprise, U Thein Tun Aung also gave opening speeches on the occasion.

“THWAY” is based on the bestseller novel by a well-known writer Journal Gyaw Ma Ma Lay. “THWAY” is a spectacular film which took 17 years to complete from the day of initial plans were designed to make the film through the days of script writing, filming and final edit up. “THWAY” film of nearly 3 1/2 hours running time is aimed to promote friendship between Japan and Myanmar .

“THWAY” will be shown at the annual Japanese Film Festival organized by the Embassy of Japan in early 2007.

The Concert of Japanese Koto and Flute

On September 7 and 8, in Yangon, the Japan Foundation, Bangkok and the Embassy of Japan co-hosted a concert of Japanese Koto and Flute.

The three visiting Japanese musicians, Mr.Hiroshi Matsushima(Flutist), Ms.Noriko Tsuboi(Koto player) and Ms.Keiko Suzuki(Koto Player), all of them currently residing in Bangkok, demonstrated the beauty of Japanese music by playing both tradtional and modern pieces. In two days, around four hundered people enjoyed this rare oppotunity to experience both sensitive and powerful tunes flowing from Koto (Japanese traditional harp)and Flute.

Altogether, the musicians played six pieces, one of which was "Midnight Rain" by an American Koto player, Elizabeth Falconer. This clearly indicates that the beauty of the sound of Koto is something universal, which transcends the boundary of traditional Japanese music. One of the audience, a young Myanmar student sent comments on this piece to the Embassy. She wrote, "As soon as this particular piece started, I heard the sound of rain instead of the sound of Koto. I heard various kinds of rain, sudden rain, heavy rain, thunder and wind. Through this concert, I came to like Japanese music very much."

After the concert, the audience had the chance to interact with the three musicians. The Myanmar audience had many questions to ask such as how Koto is played, what kind of music scores they use, how many years they have been praciticing to reach professional level. Some famous Myanmar musicians were also included among the audience.

The concert was a success in a sense that the music loving Myanmar people became interested in Japanese music and its unique instruments and that Myanmar and Japanese people were able to understand each other directly through universal language, namely music.