INFOJAPANEmbassy of Japan in Nepal

Vol. 34, March 2013

INFOJAPAN

he Government of Japan has agreed to extend a loanassistance up to ¥15,137,000,000 (or approx. US$ 157,353,000/NRs.13,653,000,000) to the Government of Nepal for theimplementation of the Tanahu Hydropower Project in JFY 2012.The loan carries a 0.01% interest rate per annum on the loanamount withdrawn and will be re-paid in 30 years, after the graceperiod of 10 years.

The Tanahu Hydropower Project is one of the most promisingprojects to be implemented under the loan assistance of theJapanese ODA, after 12 years of long interval since the extensionof the Melamchi Water Supply Project. Under the Notes, theGovernment of Nepal will utilize the loan assistance to purchasethe products and/or services required for the construction ofTanahu Hydropower Project located near Damauli, about 150kmwest of Kathmandu.

It is a storage type hydropower project, with the total storagecapacity of 295 millionM3, and an electricity generation capacityof 140mW even during dry season. The basic objective of thisProject is to meet the growing energy demand in Nepal in generaland to address the severe load shedding due to the productionand demand gap during peak hours in particular. This will beachieved by harnessing water resources to generate renewableenergy with minimal environmental and social impacts.

After completion of this Project, the total power generationcapacity of storage type hydropower projects will increase to

232mW from the current level of 92mW (jointly from KulekhaniI and II Hydroelectric Project). It is expected that TanahuHydropower Plant will generate 585gwH electricity per annumcontributing significantly to mitigating severe load-shedding.As a result, almost all consumers of Nepal Electricity Authority(NEA) connected to the National Power Grid will be directly orindirectly benefited from this Project. In addition, it is anticipatedthat this Project will help extensively to address the growingenergy demand of the industries.

Proposed dam site for Tanahu Hydropower Project

Signing Ceremony for the Project at the Ministry of Finance on March 13, 2013

Japan Extends Loan Assistancefor the Tanahu Hydropower Project

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Project for Construction of School Building for Shree Deurali Lower Secondary Schoolin Parbat & Three Education Center for Early Child Development in Saptari

Signing Ceremony: February 18, 2013Amount: US$125,632 (equivalent to NRs. 10,716,409.6)Recipient: Shree Deurali Lower Secondary School and Saptari Community Development Center, Nepal (SCDC)

Shree Deurali Lower Secondary School will utilize the grant amount US$29,919 to construct a single-storybuilding with three rooms which is capable of holding about 80 students from Grade 1 to Grade 3. SCDC willutilize the grant amount of USD 95,713 to construct ECD buildings at three schools; a single-story building withtwo classrooms at Majhau School at Boriya VDC and Buddeshowari School at Naktiraypur VDC, and a single-story building with one classroom at Janata School at Arnaha VDC. This project will directly benefit a total of144 children in ECD classes at the three schools.

Project for the Improvement of Diabetic Medical Service Provision for the Urban Poor

Signing Ceremony: February 14, 2013Amount: US$43,592 (equivalent to NRs. 3,718,397.6)Recipient: Nepal Diabetes Society (NDS), Kathmandu District

In Nepal, it is said that more than 400,000 people suffer from this disease and the number of patients especiallyin and around Kathmandu is increasing gradually due to urbanized eating habits. The clinic has been providingits service to a large number of people, most from economically marginalized backgrounds. As cardiac problemsare seen in 60-70% of the patients who visit this clinic, the installment of a cardiac echo machine has been anurgent need for this clinic. Therefore, NDS will utilize the grant to install one Color Doppler EchocardiographyMachine and one Slit Lamp (with table), which is other high priority piece of equipment for diabetic diagnosisas diabetic patients are prone to retinopathy. This project is expected to benefit more than 150 people annuallybased on current operational system.

Grant Assistance for Japanese NGO ProjectsProject for Prevention and Reduction of Child Labor (Phase 2)

Signing Ceremony: March 1, 2013Amount: US$110,733 (equivalent to NRs. 9,632,663)Recipient: Shapla Neer = Citizens' Committee in Japan for Overseas Support

To enhance the outcomes of the former project, Shapla Neer will utilize the grant exclusively to promotehuman resources development at ward offices as well as municipality offices so that staff at each office will beable to conduct monitoring and related activities effectively and efficiently on their own in the future. Moreover,the awareness campaigns through TV, radio, posters and leaflet will continue to take place to rouse public opinion,as well as bring awareness to restaurant owners and local people about the plight of working children and childlabor.

Project for Strengthening Reproductive Health Service through Improving HealthFacilities and Capacity Building for Medical Service Workers (Phase 2)

Signing Ceremony: February 21, 2013Amount: US$713,095 (equivalent to NRs. 61,647,062)Recipient: Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Japan

The grant will be utilized to improve neonatal and maternal health care service by upgrading health facilitiesand promoting capacity development among medical service workers in the Kalikot District in Mid-Western Nepal.ADRA Japan, in collaboration with ADRA Nepal will also utilize the grant exclusively to establish Birth Centersat five VDCs in Kalikot District and also implement various capacity development activities including AdolescentSexual and Reproductive Health (ASRH) as this topic has been prioritized by the Government of Nepal in “NationalReproductive Health Strategy".

Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects

Pokhara-Komagane Maternityand Child Friendship Community

Hospital Inaugurated

n February 4, Pokhara-Komagane Maternity and ChildFriendship Community Hospital was jointly inaugurated by Mr.Jhalak Ram Adhikari, Mayor/Executive Officer of Pokhara City,Mr. Masazumi Nakahara, Honorary Chairman of CitizensAssociation for Nepal Exchange, Former Mayor of KomaganeCity and Mr. Shuichi Sakakibara, Minister-Counselor of Embassyof Japan. Mr. Sakakibara was the chief guest of the program.

Four years after starting a mobile clinic service with anambulance and medical equipment provided by Nepal KouryuShimin no Kai of Komagane City, Pokhara City has now beensuccessful in constructing the hospital with partial financialsupport under the GGP Scheme of the government of Japan.Nepal Kouryu Shimin no Kai, on the other hand, providedessential medical equipment to the hospital. Thus, with thesupport at both governmental level and citizens' level, thishospital started its service in November 2012.

The main objective of the hospital is to upgrade medicalservices, especially maternal and child health care services byproviding local people with an appropriate medical institutionwhere they can receive emergency and prolonged health careservice. According to Pokhara City Office, the hospital currentlyserves 20-25 patients per day, especially from economicallydisadvantaged backgrounds, and it is expected to benefit 2,00,000people annually within and around Pokhara.

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Japan's Contribution to the EnergySector in Nepal (JFY 1975 to date)Some of the significant Grant Projects implemented in theenergy sector are:

(i) Project for the Improvement and Development of the PowerTransmission and Distribution System in the KathmanduValley (Construction of Lainchour Switching Station,Interconnection between Teku Sub-station and Syuchatar Sub-station, Reinforcement of distribution network; 3.620 BillionJapanese Yen; in JFY1980 and 1982);

(ii) Project for the Reinforcement of Power DistributionNetwork in Kathmandu Valley (Construction of NewBaneshwar Sub-station, Renewal of K2 Sub-station andReinforcement of distribution network; 0.993 Billion JapaneseYen; in JFY 1985 and 1986);

(iii) Project for the Extension and Reinforcement of PowerTransmission and Distribution System in KathmanduValley I, II and III (Underground interconnection betweenLainchour Sub-station and K2 Switching Station, Constructionof K3 Sub-station, Underground interconnection between K3and Teku Sub-station, Reinforcement of distribution network;6.620 Billion Japanese Yen; in JFY 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995,2002 and 2003);

(iv) Project for the Improvement of the Load DispatchingNetwork (Establishment of a Load Dispatch Center with thenecessary equipment; 0.589 Billion Japanese Yen; in JFY1985);

(v) Rural Electrification Project (1.576 Billion Japanese Yen;in JFY 1983, 1984, 1985 and 1993);

(vi) Project for the Rehabilitation of Kulekhani Hydro-powerStation (0.748 Billion Japanese Yen; in JFY 1993);

(vii) Project for the Construction of New Kawasoti Sub-station(0.847 Billion Japanese Yen; in JFY 2007); and

(viii) Project for Introduction of Clean Energy by Solar ElectricityGeneration System (Installed Capacity 680.4kW at Dhobighat;0.660 Billion Japanese Yen; in JFY 2009).

Some of the significant Loan Projects implemented in theenergy sector are:

(i) Kulekhani Hydroelectric Project I (Installed Capacity 60mW;4.005 Billion Japanese Yen; in JFY 1975 and 1976);

(ii) Kulekhani Hydroelectric Project II (Installed Capacity32mW; 12.150 Billion Japanese Yen; in JFY 1981 and 1983);

(iii) Kulekhani Disaster Prevention Project I (2.710 BillionJapanese Yen; in JFY1990);

(iv) Kulekhani Disaster Prevention Project II; (3.484 BillionJapanese Yen; in JFY 1996); and

(v) Kaligandaki “A” Hydroelectric Project (Installed Capacity144mW; 16.916 Billion Japanese Yen; in JFY 1996).

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Japan Education Fair 2013 n February 10, hundreds of students attended the Japan Education Fair 2013 to get

an idea of the various courses offered by universities in Japan. It is the 6th fair organizedby Japan Students Services Organization (JASSO), Japanese Universities AlumniAssociation, Nepal (JUAAN) and the Embassy of Japan.

The universities that participated in the fair included Ehime University, KyushuUniversity and Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University. Representatives and professors fromthe universities gave the latest information which is not in the brochures or on thewebsites, including the atmosphere of the school and the specific information studentswanted. They also gave advice concerning the educational system, educational programsand admission procedures. JASSO and the Embassy of Japan showed 'Study in Japan'to promote study abroad in Japan. JUAAN members spoke about Japan based on theirpersonal experiences and had valuable interactions with visitors.

Over five hundred visitors came to the fair and said that they were able to get a clearidea of why people study in Japan, which increased their interest in studying abroad.

Kizuna (Bond) Project izuna Project is a part of Japanese reconstruction plans and aims to promote global understanding of Japan's efforts in

response to the Great East Japan Earthquake. In succession to visits by two groups of Nepali students in November andOctober 2012, another two groups; high school students and Japanese language learners, took part in the same project inDecember (2012) and this January, respectively. Stretching over two weeks, the visit consisted of exchange programs,sightseeing, lectures, visits to universities, research centers and disaster-hit Tohoku areas. They shared what they had seenand heard in affected areas and their experiences in Japan.

According to the participants, they enjoyed everything about the trip and it became one of the most fulfilling and thebest trips of their lives. The participants stated that they deeply appreciate the Japanese culture, lifestyle and beautiful nature.From various experiences, they realized that the Japanese are deeply rooted to their history and culture, with a deep love fortheir country.

Another participant said, “In Fukushima, we visited aresearch center where we observed a radiation detection systemto check radiation level of various food products in the aftermathof the disaster. The lengths Japan goes through to assure andprotect its people from radiation is simply amazing. We feltstrongly that rumors about Fukushima were indeed unfairtowards them and wished that we could genuinely help them.What impressed them most was the spirit of Fukushima peopleeven in the wake of disaster and hardship. They are full of hopeand continue to move forward and work hard for a better future.”They added, “Having been greatly inspired by their strength,we wish to adopt such values in our lives, and we want to passthis message to everyone we meet.”

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Nepali participants in the program

n February 7, 2013, the award ceremony was held at theEmbassy of Japan. Two students from the Kathmandu Schoolof Law, Ms. Sudeshna Thapa and Mr. Sharad Sharma, werepresented with awards by Ambassador Mr. Takahashi. Therepresentatives of Nepal, Ms. Thapa and Mr. Sharmaparticipated in the competition which was held in Tokyo lastAugust won third prize of the “Fighting Spirit Award”.

The International Law Moot Court Competition “AsiaCup” started in 1992. Students from China, Indonesia, Korea,Nepal, The Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam andJapan took part in the competition “Asia Cup 2012”.

he Embassy of Japan was pleased to organize the Japanese film festivals in Kathmanduand Pokahara on January 24th, 25th & 26th and February 5th, respectively. The purposebehind the festival was to introduce Japanese culture to the Nepali people and during thefestival we showcased a broad spectrum of fine films. Japanese films are often paceddifferently and significant messages are delivered through unspoken high-contextcommunication. We strived to make our selections reflect this eloquent Japanese-style.We chose to close each show with 3 related documentaries - Can You See Our Light? Lightup Nippon and Setting Sails from the Ruins, as we wanted the audience to see how Japanis moving forward for a better tomorrow and to convey Japanese peoples' heartfelt thanksto the world.

Post screening surveys indicated people genuinely enjoyed the films and this wasemphasized by the fact that the festival attracted almost 2000 people from Kathmanduand Pokhara.

Japanese Film Festival in Kathmandu and Pokhara

International Law Moot Court

At the International Law Moot Court Competition, participants perform the role of applicant orrespondent in a fictitious law case and compete using their legal argumentative skills following setprocedures similar to that of the International Court of Justice. It is possible for participants to argueon the same basis regardless of their nationalities, because law cases of the International Law Moot Courtare treated as international not domestic law, which is considered to be appropriate all over the world.

Nepali Students Awarded in International LawMoot Court Competition "Asia Cup 2012"

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Nepali prize winners with Ambassador Mr. Takahashi

n the previous issue we introduced a brief history of the Japanese language and how Kanji were formed. In this issuewe would like to explore a little more about kanji. There are about 2,000 kanji in regular use and many are made frompictures, but, most no longer look like the original objects, because over time the pictures have changed. Kanji is very helpfulboth to read and learn Japanese quickly because each kanji carries a specific meaning.

Now, let's have a look at the pictures below, and guess which kanji stands for which picture. The Kanji you can seehere are among those learned by first year Japanese elementary school students.

A. (kawa: river) B. (yama: mountain) C. (mizu: water) D. (hi: fire) E. (tsuki: moon)

F. (kuruma: car) G. (ta: rice field) H. (mon: gate) I. (onna: woman) J. (kuchi: mouth)

We hope you enjoyed learning kanji! Correct answer is given below.

A B C D E

F G H I J

On Japan: Japanese Language (Kanji)

MEXT Scholarship Announcement for 2014 he Embassy of Japan announces the competition for Japanese Government (Monbukagakusho: MEXT) Scholarships

for Nepali students for the academic year 2014 in the fields of Natural Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences.

Program Qualifications

1. Research Students Must be under 35 years of age (as of April 1, '14) and have completed at least16 years of education (15 years is also accepted if the undergraduate courseis designed for only 3 years) and secured 70% marks for Natural Sciences and60% for Humanities and Social Sciences in aggregate in all levels of exams.

2. Undergraduate Students &3. Specialized Training College Students

Must have been born between April 2, 1992 & April 1, 1997 and have secured75% marks for Natural Sciences and 65% for Humanities and Social Sciencesin aggregate in SLC and + 2 exams.

Written examinations will be held on August 3, 2013.

The field of study must be the same as the applicants' previous study leading to their final graduation. Applicants needto attach attested copies of certificates and mark-sheets along with the application.

For further details and updates please log on to: www.np.emb-japan.go.jp

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Embassy of JapanTel. 4426680, E-mail: cultural-emb@km.mofa.go.jp, URL : http://www.np.emb-japan.go.jp