Musicologist Yuko Matoba playing veena at Thiagarajar College in Madurai on Friday.
| Photo Credit: G. MOORTHY
Sharing the similarities in language and cultural practices followed between India and Japan, Yuko Matoba, a musicologist from Japan Women’s College of Physical Education, Tokyo, delivered a lecture on “Japanese Culture and Language” here on Friday.She was in the city on an invitation from the Thiagarajar College, Department of Women’s Studies. She commended the rich heritage and the historical connections between the two nations from time immemorial.The culture, tradition and contemporary connections and among many others had similarities, she explained.In her presidential address, College President Uma Kannan highlighted the historical, cultural and spiritual connections between India and Japan. She also gave an outline on the significance of global education and international career opportunities for the students from multiple disciplines.Praising the musicologist from Japan, Mrs. Uma Kannan appealed to the girl students of the college to make use of such opportunities which would facilitate them to be empowered in very many ways in their future.Students should be multi-talented and adapt themselves to the changes happening around and deliver productivity.Focusing on quality education, employment opportunities, global exposure and international partnerships, Japanese Communication and Consulting Services Associate Manager S Gowtham Paramasivam, an alumnus, spoke on the higher education prospects in Japan for the students.He also narrated the self-discipline and the social etiquette and civic responsibility followed by the Japanese nationals.Women’s Studies Centre Director R. Aruna introduced the resource persons. Principal D. Pandiaraja welcomed.On the occasion, “SheCreates – Women’s Student Enterprise Bazaar” was inaugurated on the college campus to commemorate the World Entrepreneurs’ Day, providing women students with a platform to showcase their entrepreneurial ideas, products and skills.A Veena concert was presented by Ms. Yuko Matoba, which received an applause from the gathering.The programme strengthened educational, professional and cultural connections between India and Japan, student participants said during an interaction and also evinced interest in learning the language as a professional career. Published - August 21, 2026 07:50 pm IST
