Japan studies enthusiasts, take note. Penang Institute has recently been announced to be one of the recipients of the Read Japan Project 2025, an international book donation initiative administered by The Tokyo Foundation, with financial support from The Nippon Foundation, and in collaboration with the Consulate-General of Japan in Penang. Since its inception in 2008, the project has donated Japan-related books to more than 1,400 institutions globally with the aim of promoting a deepeunderstanding of Japan.
Through this initiative, Penang Institute has received a specially curated collection of 175 English-language titles spanning History, Literature, Arts, Society, Culture, Politics, International Relations, Economics, and Business. The collection will be housed at the Penang Studies Resource Centre, where it will serve as an accessible knowledge resource for resident scholars and members of the public.
In conjunction with this valuable acquisition, Penang Institute launched the “Read Japan Day” initiative in line with its commitment to fostering public engagement with reading, knowledge-building, and a deeper understanding of Japanese society and public discourse. Held as a monthly open day, the programme provides members of the public with access to the Read Japan collection through thematic curation, allowing visitors to browse and read selected Japan-related titles on-site.
The Institute was deeply honoured by the presence of the Consul-General of Japan in Penang and the Deputy Consul-General of Japan in Penang at the Book Handover Ceremony and Launch of Read Japan Day held on 19 June 2026 at 10am.
Following its official launch, the first Read Japan Day will commence after the launch ceremony (10.30am), at which point members of the public are welcome to explore the books until 3.30pm on the same day. Thereafter, Read Japan Day will be held monthly from June to October 2026 on the second Friday of each month, from 9.30am to 3.30pm, at the Ground Floor, South Wing, Penang Institute.
Works included are Japanese books on politics, international relations, economics, culture from ancient and modern-day Japan, and even Japanese literature and manga for anime fans. Admission to the event is free, and no prior registration is required.
