The book “East Asian Literatures: An Interface with India” has been published on the basis of the invaluable reports presented by Indian, Japanese, Chinese and Korean scholars at an International Conference “Literatures in East Asia: Trends and Developments in Japan, China and South Korea – An Interface with India” in February 2005. The book is edited by Mr. P.A. George, Associate Professor at the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi.

    As the title indicates, this book overviews the East Asian literatures’ interaction with India through the ages. The book is contributed by 25 Indian, 4 Japanese, 4 Korean and 2 Chinese scholars.

    In the Japanese-Indian context, interesting facts are reported in the book, such as the images of India as perceived by Japanese people in the medieval times, a hypothesis that the story “Mouse-maid made Mouse” in the Panchatantra might have been introduced to Japan through China and Korea together with Buddhism, and more.

    Mr. Ryoichi Horie, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of Japan, will release this book at the newly-opened Japan Information Centre located in the Embassy’s premises, on Wednesday, 19 July, together with the main guest, Prof. B.B. Bhattacharya, Vice-Chancellor of JNU.