Hinged to Hindi

8220;Way back in 1991, I was sent by the government of Japan to learn Hindi, keeping in mind my subsequent posting in India. What better place could there be than Allahabad for anyone pursuing an education in Hindi. So, there I was, enrolled in the Allahabad University. Under the wings of masters like Dr Ram Swarup Chaturvedi and Meera Srivastava, I began learning Hindi right from 8216;ka, kha, ga8217;,8221; fondly recalls the envoy.

His first lessons were actually in Kobe, his native place in Japan, thanks to 8220;helpful friends like Mr 038; Mrs Kukreja and Ashwini Mishra, a Doordarshan employee who was in a deputation to Japan to learn some techniques from NHK, the Nippon broadcasting agency.8221;

In India, he was put up in the International Centre of the Allahabad University, where he learnt not just in the classroom but on the streets too. 8220;I couldn8217;t have chosen a better destination. The people were so warm, friendly and helpful. Even my teachers allowed me to take the lessons at their residence when the university was closed during the Mandal Commission protest,8221; recalls Yokote.

Japan, he says, holds India in high regard, since its culture and traditions are rooted here. 8220;The government is extending aid for road development in Shravasti, Buddhist Circuit and also in poverty elimination,8221; he says, explaining how/where his knowledge of Hindi comes in handy.

Has his family learnt a word or two? He chuckles. 8220;I have two kids and they are too young to learn new languages. My wife is just about comfortable with English.8221;

Asked if the exchange is mutual and if he teaches Nihong, his mother tongue to his teachers of Hindi too, he answers in affirmative. And goaded to part with a nugget, he gives the meaning of Takashi, the name of his son. 8220;It means respect. My daughter8217;s name, Yui8230;well, I am not very sure how it can be translated.8221;

He is on a Hindi trip, after all!