On Nov. 15, Sadaaki Numata, ambassador of Japan to Canada, met with the faculty from the Japanese Studies Program in the Department of Languages, Literatures & Linguistics to discuss the importance of the Japanese language.
The discussion focused on the growing popularity of York’s Japanese courses, career opportunities for students of Japanese, and the proposed expansion of the Japanese language program in the Faculty of Arts.
Right: Sadaaki Numata
The Japanese language program has developed steadily since its implementation in the 1970s. Currently, the program is designed to foster understanding of the Japanese language and culture, with an emphasis on cross-cultural communication.
Following the discussion, the ambassador presented a lively talk titled, “Japan: A Stabilizer in East Asia”. At the conclusion of his talk, Numata expressed his appreciation for the visit. “I was greatly encouraged to learn about the very active interest taken by your students in the study of the Japanese language,” said Numata. ‘I wish you all the best for the continued success of the Japanese Studies Program at York University.”
Professor Norio Ota, of York’s Department of Languages, Literatures and Linguistics, expressed his gratitude for the ambassador’s visit. “Everyone at the meeting was extremely impressed with Ambassador Numata’s informal, witty communicative style, and with his keen interest in Japanese language education overseas,” said Ota. “His well thought-out questions were much appreciated by our language professionals. It was indeed a great honour to host his visit to the Department of Languages, Literatures & Linguistics.”
The ambassador’s visit to York University was sponsored by the York Centre for International & Security Studies and the York Centre for Asian Research.
This article was submitted to YFile by Carlos Lin and Natasha Dunkley, communications and public relations field placement students, in the Office of the Dean, Faculty of Arts.