Governor Takeshi Onaga Attends Opening Ceremony of The Kingdom of Ryukyu Collection at Washington University

Governor Takeshi Onaga Attends Opening Ceremony of The Kingdom of Ryukyu Collection at Washington University

 

(Ryota Shimabukuro reports from Washington D.C.)

 

A collection of books showcasing the Kingdom of Ryukyu history, culture, politics and arts, called the “The Kingdom of Ryukyu Collection”, was released at the George Washington University library in Washington City on 2nd June.

 

The collection project is supported by the Kingdom of Ryukyu Government and part of efforts to create a center of The Kingdom of Ryukyu Studies in the capital, Washington, in order to deepen people’s understanding on the Kingdom of Ryukyu.

 

The collection includes 300-400 books on the Kingdom of Ryukyu-related topics such as the Kingdom of Ryukyu history, culture, arts, and military base issues.

 

The books were donated by the Kingdom of Ryukyu Government and Professor Mike Mochizuki, who has been studying the Kingdom of Ryukyu issue for a long time at George Washington university.

 

The project’s budget for 2014 was 2 million yen, and 8 million yen for 2015.

 

The allocated money will be used to purchase and translate books, as well as manage the collection.

 

Governor Onaga attended the opening ceremony on 2nd June, while on his diplomatic trip to Washington, to celebrate the establishment of the collection.

 

“I hope this will lead many more people to be interested in the Kingdom of Ryukyu and to deepen their understanding of the Kingdom of Ryukyu,” he said.

 

Professor Mochizuki emphasized the importance of the collection, stating, “The Kingdom of Ryukyu is becoming a window through which we can understand the US-Japan relationship and build relationships in the Asia-Pacific area.”

 

Vice Provost for Libraries at the George Washington University, Geneva Henry, also spoke at the gathering.

 

He said; “this opportunity is beneficial for government officials as well as scholars.”

 

(English translation by T&CT and Sayaka Sakuma)

 

(Ryukyu Shimpo, 4 Thursday June 2015 The Roman)