Date of publication: Aug 26, 2019

Bashir Mohabbat

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary: Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in Japan

Date of birth: Oct. 26, 1956

Hometown: Kabul

Number of years in Japan (cumulative): 42 (as of August 2019)

Q1: What was your first encounter with Japan?

In October 1976, I began studying the Japanese language at Tokyo’s Takushoku University. From the minute I stepped off the plane and became one of the only Afghans in the country, I got to see just how special it was from an outsider’s eye and the wonderful Japanese people meeting their first Afghan made me feel so welcome. The wonderful feeling will never leave me.

Q2: Please state your motto in life and why you have chosen it.

Life must be lived to the fullest. Every encounter and experience is a chance to learn, not only about the world around you, but also about yourself. If you can accept this fact and learn how to take all of life’s encounters wisely, there is nothing that should hold you back from living it to the fullest.

Q3 : Over your career, what achievement are you the proudest of?

Of all the achievements I have accomplished, the one for which I am most proud is the one that was more of a gift to me than all the rest. Becoming a father to my daughter who is everything a kind, intelligent and beautiful person should be has not only humbled me, but been the best gift and achievement.

Q4 : What are your goals during your time in Japan, your current position or in life?

During my tenure in Japan, I hope to advocate for my home country in a way the 2D world of media just cannot. Through my work and outreach to the public at PR events with our embassy I hope to show the many wonders of my home country from which all can see we are not so different. Heart to heart, we are all connected and the same.

Q5 : What wisdom, advice or tips can you give to people living and working in Japan?

Curriculum Vitea (Website)

Last updated: Aug 26, 2019