The Women’s Studies Centre, Thiagarajar College, Madurai, organised a Special Lecture titled “Beyond Borders: Japanese Language and Career Pathways in Japan” on 21 August 2026 at the Dr. Radha Thiagarajan Auditorium, in alignment with SDGs 4, 8, 16 and 17.

The programme commenced with the Welcome Address by Dr. D. Pandiaraja, Principal, Thiagarajar College, followed by the Presidential Address by Dr. (Mrs.) Uma Kannan, President, Thiagarajar College, who highlighted the cultural and educational connections between India and Japan.

Dr. R. Aruna, Director, Women’s Studies Centre, introduced the resource persons, Mr. S. Gowtham Paramasivam, Associate Manager, NEC Corporation India Pvt. Ltd., Chennai, and Ms. Yuko Matoba, Musicologist, Veena Artist and Honorary Professor, Japan Women’s College of Physical Education, Tokyo.

Mr. Gowtham delivered a session on Japanese language, career opportunities, higher education in Japan and the MEXT Scholarship, while Ms. Yuko Matoba shared insights into Japanese culture, language, music and India–Japan cultural connections.

The programme was followed by a Veena Concert featuring Ms. Yuko Matoba, accompanied by Mr. Sundaresan Natarajan on Mridangam, Ms. V. Balaharshitha on Tanpura and Ms. A. K. Hamsavarthini on Thalam, enriching the programme through musical and cultural exchange.

The programme concluded with the Vote of Thanks delivered by Ms. V. Veena Vidhya Sri, Coordinator, Gender Studies, Thiagarajar College.