Visit of Japanese Deputy Consul General, Mr. Ashida
Mr. Ashida, Deputy Consul General of Japan, visited Loreto College on November 6, 2025 to engage with Semester I students in an insightful session organized by the Consulate General of Japan. Accompanied by Mr. Goutam Ray, Cultural Affairs Officer, and Ms. Ishara Hajra, Program and Media Officer, Mr. Ashida delivered a compelling talk on Japan’s cultural heritage and technological advancements.
Focusing on the concept of monozukuri - the Japanese spirit of craftsmanship and continuous improvement - Mr. Ashida highlighted Japan's historical ability to adopt and enhance foreign technologies. He traced this tradition back to the 16th century, when Japan became a world leader by mastering and improving firearms and shipbuilding technologies brought from abroad, enabling the country to maintain its independence in the 19th century.
The Deputy Consul General emphasized Japan's present role as a global hub for precision manufacturing. Essential smartphone components such as capacitors, semiconductors, and photoresist chemicals are predominantly produced in Japan, reflecting the country's unmatched attention to detail and quality. He also mentioned Japan’s invention of the QR code and its commitment to smart innovations that serve everyday life.
Mr. Ashida then introduced students to Japan's vision for a decarbonised future, showcasing examples like hydrogen-powered buses and hydrogen use in cooking, underlining Japan's leadership in sustainable technology.
He encouraged students to consider learning the Japanese language, describing it as a gateway to unique career opportunities. Proficiency in Japanese, he noted, is a valuable and rare skill in the global job market, offering access to high-paying positions in international business, technology, and research. Mr. Ashida also outlined the wide range of scholarships and educational programs available for international students in Japan, inviting young learners to explore the country’s world-class universities and safe, innovation-driven environment.
The visit left a lasting impression on the students, offering them a deeper understanding of Japan’s culture of excellence and innovation while inspiring them to expand their academic and professional horizons through language learning and cross-cultural engagement.
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