An Old Memory of the Japanese Professor... Mera Khazana
This black-and-white photograph dates back to the early 90s when he had visited Punjab. At that time, I had interviewed him for Punjabi newspapers, exploring how a Japanese professor was both learning and teaching Punjabi.
While going through some old photographs, I suddenly came across a black-and-white photo. It was of me and that well-known Japanese professor — a man who, despite being Japanese, is an expert in Punjabi, Hindi, and several other Indian languages.
The Punjabi community will always be proud of this professor who was the first to earn a PhD in Punjabi studies, who taught Punjabi in Japan, wrote books in Punjabi, and even translated several important texts into Japanese. He even translated Japji Sahib into Japanese.
That eminent personality is none other than Professor Tomio Mizokami. Today, the entire world knows his name. Even Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a high-profile meeting with him during his Japan visit in 2023 and praised his contribution in promoting Indian languages and culture internationally. Earlier, in 2018, the Government of India had honored Professor Mizokami with the Padma Shri award.
But the memory I am referring to — and the photo I found — is from a time when he was not very famous and had no official recognition from government circles. This black-and-white photograph dates back to the early 90s when he had visited Punjab. At that time, I had interviewed him for Punjabi newspapers, exploring how a Japanese professor was both learning and teaching Punjabi.
The photograph was taken by my friend and media photographer Bhim Kansal ( Singh Studio Rampura Phul ). Back then, I believe only one book of his — a Japanese-Punjabi language volume — had been published. I still have a copy of that interview preserved in my records. I hope to publish it someday after digging it out.
I do regret not being able to meet Professor Tomio again, despite his many visits to India over the years, including a recent one to Chandigarh a few years ago. The fact is, I haven't met him in person since 1980, but that interview and this photograph will always remain a cherished memory and a treasure for me.
He currently lives in Osaka, Japan, which prompted me to call our literary friend Parminder Sodhi, who also lives in Osaka. I asked if he had the professor’s contact number. To my delight, Parminder replied that Professor Mizokami often visits his restaurant and that he had even conducted a long interview with him there. Parminder promised to share his contact details with me soon.
So here it is — a look back at how we both looked back then, and how we appear today.
Both the memory and the moment are priceless treasure to me.
July 31, 2025
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Baljit Balli, Editor, Babushahi Network, Tirchhi Nazar Media
tirshinazar@gmail.com
Phone No. : +91-9915177722
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