Bookcase launched to honour late Japanese archaeologist

Hanoi (VNA) – The Hanoi University of Social Sciences & Humanities (USSH) has introduced a bookcase named after late Japanese archaeologist Nishimura Masanari, who has been remembered for his devotion to Vietnam’s archaeology.

The bookcase consists of 7,000 books and magazines donated to the university by Nishimura’s family after his death in a traffic accident in Vietnam in 2013.

Nishino Noriko, widow of the late professor, said her husband carried a deep affection for Vietnam, adding that through the books, her family wanted to keep his love for the country he considered a second home.

USSH Rector Pham Quang Minh said the donation is valuable to his university.

He said he expects the bookcase is not only a creditable source for archaeologists and students but also an open forum for everyone, noting that it is also a wish from Nishimura and his family.

Nishimura Masanari was born in 1965 in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan. He first came to Vietnam in 1990 for a project in the central province of Nghe An. He learned Vietnamese, understood Vietnamese culture and even adopted a local name of Ly Van Sy.

In November 1998, Nishimura discovered a piece of a mould used to cast bronze drums dating back 2,300 years, the only one of its kind ever found. The object is an important piece of evidence for the research of Vietnamese bronze drums.

The late archaeologist and his wife helped establish an ancient earthenware museum in Kim Lan commune Gia Lam district, Hanoi. The museum displays various objects and earthenware making methods, the result of years of tireless work by Nishimura.

With such contributions, various local orders, awards and titles have been bestowed upon the man, including the President’s Friendship Order and Bui Xuan Phai – For the Love of Hanoi Awards.-VNA