Embassy of Serbia in Japan Hosts Lecture: Commemorating the Publication of a Book on Serbian Genius Nikola Tesla

When people hear the name “Tesla,” they most likely think of the automaker led by Elon Musk or the green energy company. However, it is not widely known that the company was named in honor of the great Serbian inventor Nikola Tesla.

This year marks the 170th anniversary of Nikola Tesla’s birth. The Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan has published a book titled *Nikola Tesla: His Legacy and the Questions It Leaves Us*, bringing renewed attention to his achievements. A lecture commemorating the book’s publication was held on July 3 at the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Japan.

In her opening remarks, Madam Aleksandra Kovač, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Serbia to Japan, noted that interest in Nikola Tesla’s contributions remains strong around the world. Wireless communication technology and sustainable energy—one of the most critical issues of modern times—were areas Tesla pioneered; today, humanity’s future is increasingly embracing the vision he laid out.

Who was Nikola Tesla, the inventive genius of whom Serbia is so proud? Active from the late 19th through the 20th century, Tesla was an inventor and a rival to Thomas Edison, who is world-renowned for inventing the incandescent light bulb. Tesla was also a key figure in the field of power transmission, best known for developing the alternating current (AC) system. A famous conflict—often called the “War of Currents”—arose between the two: Tesla advocated for AC power transmission, while Edison championed direct current (DC). Tesla’s position ultimately prevailed, leading to the widespread adoption of AC systems to stably deliver electricity from power plants to factories and homes.

Tesla’s inventions extended far beyond power transmission systems. His innovations live on in many items that remain essential to our daily lives, including fluorescent lights, microwave ovens, radios, remote controls, electric fans, washing machines, X-ray imaging, and robots. Furthermore, it was Tesla who first focused on addressing energy issues and the environmental pollution caused by exhaust emissions. In recognition of his vision and achievements, the popular electric vehicle bears his name.

To learn more about the details of Tesla’s achievements, his philosophy, and his life story, I highly recommend reading *Nikola Tesla: A Life That Challenges Us*. It clearly illustrates how deeply involved Tesla was in many aspects of our everyday lives.

In a sense, Tesla’s legacy lives on in Japanese society today. He also serves as a vital link connecting Serbia and Japan. His presence was significant at the Tesla Pavilion during the Science Expo and the Serbian Pavilion at the Osaka Expo; furthermore, events commemorating him continue to be held in Japanese cities with ties to Serbia, inspiring children and nurturing the researchers of the next generation.

This great Serbian—who illuminated the globe and invented the future—continues to connect people and foster friendship between nations, shining his light upon the world just as brightly as ever.

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