カテゴリー: Saopaulo-topics

2025.04.10

 

 

2025.05.27

On Wednesday, May 27, 2025, Dr. Jimena Hurtado Prieto, Vice Rector of Research and Creation, and Dr. Betsy Forero Montoya, Associate Professor and Cultural Representative at the Japan Center of Los Andes University (Colombia), visited the University of Tsukuba. The purpose of the visit was to explore opportunities for expanding academic and research cooperation. Two strategic meetings were held—one in the morning and another in the afternoon—and the visit concluded with an exchange session involving students from the South American region.

The morning session brought together faculty members including Dr. Mizuho Fukushige, Director of the South America Office; Dr. Tadachika Koganezawa, Deputy Director of the South America Office; Dr. Ho Kiong, Chair of the Medical International Cooperation Committee; Dr. Sandra Puentes, Assistant Professor at the Institute of Systems and Information Engineering; and Dr. Kazuaki Ota, Associate Professor and Deputy Director of the Research Management Office. Discussions centered on shared interests such as tropical diseases, technology-driven healthcare solutions, and potential avenues for collaborative research.

In the afternoon session, participants included Dr. Osamu Ohneda, Vice President for Global Affairs; Dr. Yasunori Endo, Vice President and Executive Director of Research; and other representatives from the University of Tsukuba participated in the conversation covering a wide range of topics, including liberal arts education, digital transformation, science diplomacy, student exchange, and internship programs.

The visit concluded with a student exchange session featuring four alumni of Los Andes University who are currently enrolled in graduate programs at the University of Tsukuba.

This visit is expected to further strengthen the academic partnership and foster deeper mutual exchange between the University of Tsukuba and Los Andes University.

2025.02.07

On January 31, 2025, the Japan-Brazil University Rectors’ Summit was held at the University of São Paulo (USP), co-organized by USP and University of Tsukuba. This special event marked the 130th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Brazil and Japan and brought together university leaders, government officials, and funding agencies to discuss future academic collaborations.

This Summit was supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, the Embassy of Japan in Brazil, the Consulate-General of Japan in São Paulo, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan, and the Ministry of Education of Brazil. The Summit aimed at sharing ideas and discussing how universities, as members of the international community, can engage with society and contribute to sustainable development, and how universities in both countries can deepen collaboration and work together in human resource development to solve complex and diverse global issues across disciplines. It brought together about 60 participants, including presidents and vice presidents of 10 universities each in Japan and Brazil as well as representatives from related organizations in both countries.

 

The event opened with celebratory remarks from His Excellency, Ambassador HAYASHI Teiji, Japanese Ambassador to Brazil, and Dr. Rodrigo de Carvalho Dias Papa, First Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, speaking on behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brazil. Mr. FUJIWARA Akio, Vice Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan, and His Excellency Mr. Camilo Santana, Minister of Education of Brazil delivered video messages.

University of Tsukuba President NAGATA Kyosuke and USP Rector Carlos Gilberto Carlotti Junior officially opened the conference, followed by a keynote lecture by Professor NINOMIYA Masato of USP titled “Japanese Immigrants and their Education in Brazil.”

 

The Summit featured group discussion sessions on “Research Collaboration” and “Student Exchange.” The session on research collaboration focused on (1) Cyber Security and AI, (2) Ocean and Disaster Management, and (3) Climate Change and Clean Energy. The session on student exchange highlighted (1) Student Exchange and Online Education, and (2) Student Exchange and Learning Languages. Participants actively exchanged opinions, highlighted their ongoing initiatives, shared insights, and identified areas for potential collaborations.

In addition, representatives from CAPES, CNPq and FAPESP (Brazil) and JSPS and JST (Japan) introduced funding programs to support research collaborations and student exchange between the two countries.

The Summit concluded with a “Joint Declaration,” reinforcing the commitment to further academic collaboration and global problem-solving through bilateral cooperation.

A day prior to the Summit, Mr. SHIMIZU Toru, Consul-General of Japan in São Paulo hosted a reception attended by around 70 people, including Ambassador HAYASHI, the Japanese and Brazilian University participants of the Summit, local representatives of Japanese organizations and representatives of related Brazilian institutions.

On February 1, participants from Japanese universities toured the Fazenda Aliança coffee farm, owned by Mr. Renato Ishikawa, President of the Brazilian Society of Japanese Culture and Social Assistance. They gained valuable insights into the coffee production process.

During the Summit, University of Tsukuba signed a new academic exchange and cooperation agreement with the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG). This agreement was based on discussions initiated during UFMG Rector Sandra Goulart Almeida’s visit to President NAGATA in November 2024.

The Japan-Brazil University Rectors’ Summit marked a significant step toward expanding academic and research cooperation between the two nations. The discussions and agreements formed during the event are expected to pave the way for future joint initiatives, student exchanges, and research projects, fostering deeper engagement and global impact.

2024.11.14

During November 2024, the University of Tsukuba organized and hosted the Study in Japan fairs in Peru under the sponsorship of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology’s (MEXT) “Global Network Project to Promote Study in Japan (South America).” The events featured in-person and by materials participation from various Japanese universities and related organizations.

The first event took place on November 6 in Cusco, supported by Andina University of Cusco. It featured consultation booths and seminars, marking the first fair outside Lima. The event attracted approximately 250 attendees, most of whom were local university students. Professor Keiko Ikeda from Kansai University introduced her institution during the seminars, bringing significant attention. Additionally, a Cusco recipient of a MEXT scholarship shared his application experience, connecting with the local attendees.

On November 9, the Study in Japan fair joined the AELU Matsuri festival in Lima city, where it reached about 350 participants, including families and students interested in Japanese culture. On November 10, the fair continued at the Japanese Peruvian Association, drawing approximately 400 visitors, including families and individuals of Japanese descent. The event at the Japanese Peruvian Association started with opening remarks by Mr. Sergio Shigyo, Executive Director of the association, and Professor Mizuho Fukushige, Deputy Director of the University of Tsukuba. Presentations included scholarship information by Mr. Akira Kawaguchi of JASSO, and universities introductions such as Professor Larry Lopez from Yamagata University and Professor Ryosuke Ohniwa from the University of Tsukuba. In addition, the local TUAN representative introduced her study experience in Japan encouraging study opportunities to local attendees.

The fairs in Peru highlighted innovative educational programs. JV-Campus (Japan Virtual Campus), which had recently participated in Brazil’s Study Abroad Fair, showcased its interactive online platform, allowing students to experience virtual Japanese education. Meanwhile, JIGE (Japan Hub for Innovative Global Education) effectively demonstrated the integration of online and on-site learning projects.

The high level of interest from attendees reflects growing enthusiasm for studying in Japan, providing an optimistic view about a future increase in students from Latin American region pursuing education opportunities in Japan.

 

Number of participants, number of institutions from Japan, etc.

(Cusco city) Wednesday, November 6, 2024, Andina University of Cusco: about 250 visitors, 2 universities and 4 institutions participating locally, 11 universities and 1 Japanese language school participating with materials

(Lima city) November 9, 2024 (Sat.) AELU Matsuri: about 350 visitors, 1 university and 3 institutions participating locally, 11 universities and 1 Japanese language school participating with materials.

(Lima city) November 10, 2024 (Sun.) Japanese Peruvian Association: 400 visitors, 2 universities and 3 institutions participating locally, 11 universities and 1 Japanese language school participating with materials

2024.11.14

The Study in Japan Fair was held at Japan House Sao Paulo, Brazil, for six days from October 29th to November 3rd.This study abroad fair was co-organized with Japan House Sao Paulo by the University of Tsukuba as part of the “Global Network Project to Promote Study in Japan”, a project commissioned by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) to which University of Tsukuba is entrusted.

The Study in Japan Fair held for an unprecedented six consecutive days at Japan House Sao Paulo, attracting nearly 2,000 participants. The Consulate General of Japan in Sao Paulo, JICA Brazil, and ASEBEX, an alumni association for former exchange students, had their own booths and provided consultation to visitors during the six days of event. Japan Virtual Campus (JV-Campus) and Japan hub for Innovative Global Education (JIGE) also had a booth for six days, sharing information about virtual and hybrid ways of doing an exchange to a Japanese university.

On the first day, two roundtables with representatives from local Japanese companies discussed about the importance of exchange studies to Japan and career after graduation. The first session, in the morning, had the participation of companies from the food sector: Ajinomoto, Cermaq and Yakult. Tech companies formed the second session in the afternoon: Hoya, NEC and Mitsubishi Electric. In both sessions representatives shared their trajectories and work experiences, emphasizing that the exchange study to Japan can make the difference when applying to a Japanese company in Brazil. Representatives also mentioned about their working experience in Japan, inspiring and giving hope to participants who are considering studying in Japan.

On the second day, CEGLOC (Center for Education of Global Communication, Univ. of Tsukuba) held an event on Japanese language education in Brazil, co-hosted by Osaka University, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, Japan Foundation Sao Paulo and  Brazilian Center of Japanese Language. Brazilian and Japanese universities collaborated to discuss and deepen exchanges. At the opening ceremony on November 1, the Consulate General of Japan in Sao Paulo, Mr. Toru Shimizu, Mr. Carlos Augusto Roza, Deputy Director of Japan House Sao Paulo, and Prof. Osamu Oneda, Director of the University of Tsukuba’s International Affairs Bureau, delivered remarks.

Consul General Toru Shimizu said, “I have served as Consul General for a year, but I think this is the first time an event of this scale has been held by universities and institutions, so I am very impressed”. He also called for cooperation in rebuilding the network in Brazil through the Study in Japan fair.

The majority of visitors to the fair were of the younger generation, with a particular interest in exchange programs and international education. Some participants came from outlying areas, such as Cuiabá (Mato Grosso State) and Assis (countryside of São Paulo) to attend the event, reaffirming the high level of local interest to study in Japan and the significance of holding events locally. JV-Campus (Japan Virtual Campus), which participated in this year’s event, set up a play area so that local students could actually experience the online platform. JIGE (Japan hub for Innovative Global Education) was able to widely communicate to local students by introducing their project that blends online and onsite projects.

The fair concluded with a session dedicated to university presentations, conducted by representatives of all participating universities: Yamanashi Gakuin University (iCLA), Kyushu University, University of Tsukuba, Yokohama National University, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, Kyoto University of Advanced Science and Technology, Kansai University, Tohoku University, Chiba University, Nagoya University, and Japan Student Services Organization.

This was the first large-scale study abroad event co-hosted with Japan House for six consecutive days. We were able to realize this project with the cooperation of not only educational institutions, but also local companies, organizations, the Japan-Brazil Chamber of Commerce, and the Consulate General. We will continue to strive to make more Brazilian students interested in studying in Japan.

Number of participants, number of institutions from Japan, etc.

October 29 (Tuesday) to November 3 (Sunday), 2024 Japan House São Paulo: approximately 2,000 visitors; 10 universities and 9 institutions participating on-site; 11 universities and 1 Japanese language school participating with materials; 6 companies participating in company roundtable sessions.

The 6th Japan-Mexico Rectors’ Summit was held at Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN) in Mexico City on September 4 and 5, 2024. University of Tsukuba was represented by Vice President and Executive Director for Global Affairs Dr. IKEDA Jun and Professor of the Institute of Life and Environmental Sciences Dr. WATANABE Kazuo.

The Summit highlighted how higher education institutions from both countries, in collaboration with governmental and private sector institutions, can devise measures to confront various global challenges. The discussion focused on the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, food security threats, water scarcities and possible loss of jobs in future, among others. In the concluding session, the participants agreed on their future efforts in these fields in a form of a Joint Statement.

From Japan, Sophia University (Japan side secretariat), University of Tsukuba and seven other universities participated in this Summit. On the Mexico side, more than 60 universities attended it including IPN, the host institution for the 6th meeting, and the three universities (El Colegio de Mexico, Colegio de Postgraduados de Ciencias Agricolas, and Universidad de Guadalajara) with which University of Tsukuba has concluded agreements for international academic exchange. Governmental and private sector institutions of both countries also participated.

Professor WATANABE made a presentation at the Session 4 “Sustainable development with an emphasis on energy, sovereignty, and food safety” and introduced the scientific and technological cooperation between Japan and Mexico to date on the evaluation and sustainable use of genetic resources of Mexico in which University of Tsukuba has been taking the lead.

The Summit has been held every two to three years alternately in Japan and Mexico, and University of Tsukuba will host the next Summit. Vice President IKEDA made remarks at the end of the closing session for inviting the participants to the next meeting in Japan.