It was a few years ago Toshio Tajima got a glimpse of a darker side of Maharashtra's cultural capital that spurred him to come back here on what has now become a sort of annual pilgrimage.
In his earnest desire to bring Japan's success story of rapid development and industrialisation even after atomic bombings as well as natural disasters like earthquake and tsunami, Tajima tied up with Jnana Prabodhini Society, an NGO which undertakes social projects involving students.
A key feature of the tie-up is production of low-cost solar panels that can be used to power LED lights and small pumps.
"I also bring some Japanese students along with me twice a year to visit Pune. We bring raw materials to make these devices, coordinating with Jnana Prabodhini and its students involved in the slum development projects and contribute our mite," said Tajima, who currently in the city.
Tajima, who takes help of an interpreter to overcome the language barrier while on his mission, has been coming to Pune for last six years and has also formed an association with an NGO 'Khelghar' to promote his self-inspired cause.
"I also invite Indian teachers and students to my country to make them see for themselves the development in Japan which has faced many calamities. They stay there for three weeks every year," he said.
As many as eight persons associated with the projects here have visited Japan along with this goodwill ambassador, who funds his activities with his own resources and help from network of friends in Japan.
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"We also generate money to fund our projects in Pune by way of holding an Indian market at different places in Japan where we sell small items purchased in India."
Tajima for whom Pune has become a second home, strikes an instant rapport with students, narrating modern history of Japan, its culture and rise, as he goes about his self- assigned work away from his country.