site.btaBust of Prof Shigeyoshi Matsumae Unveiled in Sofia

A bust of Prof Shigeyoshi Matsumae, Japanese electrical engineer and founder of the Tokai University, was unveiled at the Centre for Eastern Languages and Cultures at the St Kliment Ohridski University of Sofia on Thursday. Prof Matsumae (1901-1991) was an honorary doctor of the University of Sofia and a member of the Board of the Cyril and Methodius International Foundation. He is a recipient of a number of Bulgarian state awards.

The ceremony was attended by Bulgarian Vice president Iliana Iotova, and a delegation from the Tokai University, which has a long-standing cooperation with Bulgaria in many areas.

Addressing the event, Iotova said that Prof Matsumae's enormous contribution to the development of the relations between Japan and Bulgaria is the reason why he is considered one of Bulgaria's greatest friends.

Japanese studies have a leading role in the development of cultural ties between Bulgaria and Japan, Iotova said and thanked Sofia University, the Centre for Eastern Languages and Cultures and the Faculty of Classical and Modern Philology for developing the ties between the two countries and the two peoples. Iotova also highlighted the active work of the Cyril and Methodius International Foundation for the development of educational and cultural contacts between Bulgaria and Japan.

Iotova also highlighted Japan's active cultural diplomacy and emphasized the rich programme of the 35th edition of the Days of Japanese Culture in Bulgaria.