The Central Department of Zoology (CDZ), Tribhuvan University held a felicitation program on 13 August 2025 to honor Dr. Akio Hakamata for his generous contribution in establishing the Dr. Akio Hakamata Thesis Grant to MSc Zoology (Parasitology) students. The program was chaired by Prof. Dr. Kumar Sapkota, Head of the Department, Prof. Dr. Mahendra Maharjan, Assistant Dean of IoST as the chief guest and Dr. Akio Hakamata as the special guest. Also in attendance were Dr. Akio Hakamata’s daughter Ms. Shihori Hakamata, faculty members, Dr. Kishor Pandey’s family, and CDZ students. The event was conducted by Dr. Indra Prasad Subedi.
Prof. Mahendra Maharjan delivered the welcome speech, followed by an introduction of Dr. Akio Hakamata by Dr. Kishor Pandey, who has been his close friend since their meeting 20 years ago at Nagasaki University. Dr. Kishor Pandey highlighted Dr. Akio Hakamata’s generous support to CDZ, including a donation of one million NRS for the establishment of a microscopic unit and a two million endowment fund for the Thesis Grant, initiated after their discussions in Hokkaido, Japan.
In recognition of his contributions, Dr. Akio Hakamata was felicitated with a dosalla and a framed memento by Prof. Mahendra Maharjan and Prof. Kumar Sapkota. In his brief remarks, Dr. Akio Hakamata reflected on his friendship with Dr. Kishor Pandey, his visits to Nepal, and his commitment to supporting CDZ. The program concluded with closing remarks by Prof. Kumar Sapkota, who extended heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Akio Hakamata for his invaluable contributions to the department and the academic advancement of its students.
