History of Study in Japan

1902 has been recorded first date as the Nepalese students had gone to any overseas to study for higher education. By the way, Japan was first country where 8 Nepalese students had gone to study as the decision of Nepal Government, Rana Regime’s Prime Minister Chandara Shamsher Rana. They had reached in Japan on 17th June, 1902 with 17 attendants. Theirs all expenses were borne by Nepal Government.
Prime Minister of Nepal Government, Chandra Shamsher Rana had written letter to British Minister in Tokyo. British Minister requested to Foreign Minister Jutaro Komura of Japan, requesting to allow Nepalese students to get enrolled in Colleges. Then Foreign Minister forwarded the letter to Ministry of education, therefore as the recommendation of Ministry of Education, these 8 Nepalese Students got admitted in three Government Institutions (Teikoku Daigaku (Tokyo University), Kuramae Koto Kogyo Gakko (Tokyo Institute of Technology) and Noka Daigaku (Tokyo Agriculture University) as the status of “STATE STUDENTS”.
The subjects chosen by the students were Ammunition Technology making (Jang Narsingh Rana, Bhakta Bahadur Basnet); Mining (Bal Narsingh Raimajhi, Dev Narsingh Rana); Agriculture (Deep Narsingh Rana); Mechanical Engineering (Hem Bahadur Rajbhandari); Ceramics and Lacquer Vase (Bichar Man Singh) and Chemistry (Rudra Lal Singh). After the completion of study they returned in 1905 with Wisteria, Chrysanthemum, Persimmon and the big size Chestnut (Nillahar, Godaboriphool, Haluwabed and Thulo Kattus) are familiar flowers and fruits of Nepal, particularly it is common in the Kathmandu valley. Seeds of these flowers and fruits were brought from Japan and planted here for the first time hundred years ago by one of the eight students who studied agriculture in Japan. Moreover, Mansuli Rice is the highbred with Japonica and Indica rice. Taichini Chamal also the contribution of Japan. all these contributions show that there is strong relationship between Nepal and Japan culturally, economically and agriculturally. Some of Nepalese deities also have been worshipped in Japan transforming in their own style.
This process of going to Japan to study ceased till formerly diplomatic relationship is established in 1956 though it was endeavored before. After the establishment of Diplomatic relationship, Nepalese students have been going Japan to study remarkably.
Therefore, studying in Japan is the relationship of more than a Century. We have to keep on this relationship being more conscious and responsible in coming future.