On November 13, Vice President for Global Affairs OHNEDA Osamu visited the Embassy of Japan in Chile and local partner universities to strengthen academic collaboration and advance initiatives related to the Study in Japan Project.
At the Embassy, Vice President OHNEDA paid a courtesy call on Ambassador SONE Kenko. The meeting included exchanges on several ongoing initiatives, such as Professor ISODA Masami’s mathematics education improvement project, the “Global Network Project to Promote Study in Japan (South America Region),” and the University of Tsukuba’s academic collaborations with Chilean institutions. Both sides discussed opportunities to further promote study in Japan and explored possibilities for deeper cooperation between Japan and Chile in education and research. They agreed to continue sharing information and to work together toward strengthening future academic and research exchanges.
Vice President OHNEDA also visited Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, where he met with Professor Maria Montt, Vice-Rector for International Affairs. The discussion covered concrete areas for future cooperation, including student and staff exchanges, joint research, and the development of joint educational programs.
In addition, he visited the International Office of the University of Chile, reviewing the universities’ ongoing partnership and exploring new opportunities to expand student mobility and enhance academic and research cooperation.
Through this series of visits, the University of Tsukuba aims to further activate educational and research exchange with leading universities in Chile and contribute to the continued development of the “Study in Japan” Project in the region.
At the Embassy of Japan in Chile From left: Giancarlo Carmelino (Study in Japan Coordinator, South America Region), OHNEDA Osamu (Vice President, University of Tsukuba), Ambassador SONE Kenko, and FUKUSHIGE Mizuho (Director, South America Region)At the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile with Maria Montt, Vice-Rector for International AffairsAt the University of Chile with International Office staff
From November 4 (Tue.) to November 9 (Sun.), 2025, the University of Tsukuba carried out Study-in-Japan fairs, university/high school visits, and corporate presentations in Colombia and Peru as part of the Global Network Project Study in Japan (South America Regional Office). All venues recorded participation well beyond last year, clearly demonstrating the growing interest in studying in Japan among students and guardians in South America.
Colombia (Bogotá)
The Study-in-Japan fair held on November 5 at the Japan Center of Los Andes University welcomed approximately 350 students, and the venue was filled with enthusiasm throughout the event.
At the high school visits on the previous day (The English School / Gran Bretaña School), many questions were raised regarding Japanese university programs and scholarship systems, showing that more students are now considering Japan as one of their future academic options.
During the opening remarks, a representative from Los Andes University stated that “higher education in Japan provides great potential for career development,” expressing expectations for the development of educational exchanges between South America and Japan.
Photos of the visit at The English SchoolPhotos of the presentation at the Japan Center, Los Andes UniversityPhotos of the Study-in-Japan fair at the Japan Center, Los Andes University
On November 7, a mini Study-in-Japan fair was held at Pontifical Catholic University of Peru (PUCP), one of the top universities in Peru, welcoming approximately 300 participants.
Due to the unexpectedly high turnout, additional chairs were arranged, and some participants stood during the session, demonstrating the high level of enthusiasm of the attendees.
On November 8, the Study-in-Japan fair welcomed approximately 250 visitors during the event Japan Cultural Week held inside the Peruvian Japanese Association (APJ).
On the following day, November 9, the main Study-in-Japan fair at APJ welcomed approximately between 750 to 800 students and guardians, recording the largest scale among all events during this visit. Participation included the wider range of organizations in our Study in Japan Fair such as PRONABEC (National Scholarship Agency in Peru), the Embassy of Japan in Peru, JICA, Japan Foundation, the Peruvian-Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and APJ’s Japanese language course division, which provided presentations and booth consultations covering a broad range of themes related to studying in Japan, scholarships, and career support.
A symbolic episode reflecting the strong interest in Study in Japan was reported at the venue:
An uncle attended the fair on behalf of his niece living in MALA, about 100 km away from Lima, who could not participate due to transportation issues, and he earnestly collected information regarding studying in Japan. Local staff introduced this case as a representative example that shows the high level of interest in the fair.
Corporate Presentations and Industry–Academia Collaborations
At the corporate presentations conducted on site, industry professionals explained the relationship between studying in Japan and future career development from a practical perspective.
In Colombia, Ms. Heidi Muñoz (Toyota Tsusho de Colombia), Mr. Andres Osorio (Marubeni-Itochu Steel), and Mr. Juan Francisco Vega Baquero (Toyota Colombia Automotive) made presentations on the strengths of graduates with experience in Japan and the skills that companies seek.
In Peru, Ms. Gisselle Isa (Mitsubishi Perú) and Mr. Augusto Miranda (Panasonic Perú) introduced the characteristics of human resources valued by Japanese companies and the potential of career development that connects South America and Japan.
Summary of Participation
Colombia
November 4 – High school visits: approx. 50 students
November 5 – Los Andes University: approx. 350 students
Peru
November 7 – PUCP: approx. 300 participants
November 8 – APJ (AELU Festival): approx. 250 participants
November 9 – APJ Main Fair: approx. 750-800 participants
Consultation booths remained busy throughout the events, with many students continuing on to subsequent sessions holding informational materials. These results show that the recognition, expectations, and enthusiasm for studying in Japan are steadily increasing among young people in South America.
The University of Tsukuba will continue to collaborate with local educational institutions, embassies, Japanese companies, and government scholarship agencies to further promote Study in Japan opportunities and support students in the South American region.
Presentation at Pontifical Catholic University of Peru (PUCP)Consultation booths at the Peruvian Japanese Association (APJ) on November 8Consultation booths at the Peruvian Japanese Association (APJ) on November 9
Tsukuba Conference 2025 was held from October 1 to 3 at the Tsukuba International Congress Center. The conference brings together outstanding people from industry, government and academia around the world to discuss issues related to “science and technology in society” and to build networks among them.
On October 3, the University of Tsukuba organized a session titled “Brazil-Japan Partnerships: From Collaboration to Co-Creation.” Mr. ISHIKAWA Renato, Honorary President of the Brazilian Society of Japanese Culture and Social Assistance, was invited as a guest speaker. Mr. ISHIKAWA has made significant contributions to promoting academic, cultural, and welfare exchanges between Brazil and Japan, and has provided longstanding support to both the University of Tsukuba and Tsukuba Conference.
The session featured presentations by Vice President OHNEDA Osamu (Global Affairs), Vice Director ODA Tatsuya (University Hospital), Mr. SUZUKI Taroh (President and CEO of Saza Coffee Co., Ltd.), Dr. FUKUSHIGE Mizuho (Director of the South America Office), and Dr. AKIYAMA Hajime (Assistant Professor, Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences).
The session concluded with speeches from Mr. ISHIKAWA and President NAGATA Kyosuke, who spoke on the strong and evolving ties between Brazil and University of Tsukuba. As a token of appreciation, a calligraphy work titled “通天” (Tsūten) by Assistant Professor OGAWA Akiho (School of Art and Design) was presented to Mr. ISHIKAWA.
The University of Tsukuba looks forward to further strengthening its collaboration with local companies and with universities and institutions in Brazil.
Mr. ISHIKAWA Renato, Honorary President of the Brazilian Society of Japanese Culture and Social Assistance
From September 12 to 16, 2025, “Study in Japan Fairs” were held in Manaus and São Paulo, Brazil, followed by a Japan-Brazil Academic Exchange Event at Japan House São Paulo.
These activities formed part of the “Global Network Project to Promote Study in Japan (South America Region) ”, commissioned to the University of Tsukuba by Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). A total of 20 universities and two educational institutions joined the fairs, with many sending representatives to meet local students.
From the University of Tsukuba, Dr. KOGANEZAWA Tadachika（Deputy Director, South America Office）and Prof. OHNIWA Ryosuke (Chair, JV-Campus Executive Committee) introduced the University and JV-Campus initiatives. The events were also supported by the Consulates-General of Japan in Manaus and São Paulo, the Japan Foundation, JICA, and Brazilian partners including the Federal University of Amazonas, Western Amazon Japan-Brazil Association (NIPPAKU), AMEOJAPÃO, and ASEBEX.
The fairs in Manaus – the first ever held there – took place at the Federal University of Amazonas and NIPPAKU, attracting around 700 visitors over two days. The venues were lively with long lines for consultations, and the event at the Federal University of Amazonas was featured in local media.
Study in Japan Fair at the Federal University of Amazonas
Study in Japan Fair at NIPPAKU（Western Amazon Japan-Brazil Association）
At Japan House São Paulo on September 14, more than 1,500 people attended the fair, which was also streamed live on YouTube. The University of Tsukuba and Japan House São Paulo have maintained an academic exchange agreement since 2023.
Study in Japan Fair at Japan House São Paulo
On September 15, the team visited two high schools in São Paulo for mini Study in Japan Fairs, and on September 16, hosted the Japan-Brazil Academic Exchange Event at Japan House. Participants from Japanese and Brazilian universities shared initiatives on internationalization and virtual education, including Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL).
These events strengthened educational and research ties between Japan and Brazil and are expected to further promote student mobility and institutional collaboration in the region.
Japan-Brazil Academic Exchange Event at Japan House
On July 31, Mr. Jorge Igei, President of the Asociación Peruano Japonesa (APJ) of the Republic of Peru, visited the University of Tsukuba.
President Jorge Igei met President NAGATA Kyosuke, Dr. OHNEDA Osamu (Vice President for Global Affairs), Dr. HIRAMATSU Yusuke (Director of University Hospital/Vice President and Executive Director for Medical Affairs), Dr. FUKUSHIGE Mizuho (Director of the South America Office), Dr. ONO Masaki (Director of the Center for Education of Global Communication), Dr. OSONOI Shigeo (Professor Emeritus), and Ms. IWAMI Sanae (Head of the Office of Global Initiatives).
During the meeting, participants exchanged opinions on medical exchanges between Clínica Centenario Peruano Japonesa, which is operated by the association, and the University of Tsukuba Hospital, as well as the Japanese Language Teacher Seminar and Workshop scheduled to be held at APJ in November 2025.
The visit is expected to lead to concrete future exchanges between APJ and the University of Tsukuba.
Group photo Center: Mr. Jorge Igei, President of the Asociación Peruano Japonesa (APJ)
From August 11 to 15, 2025, students of the University of Tsukuba’s College of Social Sciences, School of Social and International Studies and the Bachelor’s Program in Global Issues (BPGI), School of Intergrative and Global Majors (SIGMA) took part in a study program in São Paulo and Brasília, Brazil, led by Assistant Professor Hajime Akiyama of the Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences.
This program was made possible through the generous support of several local institutions, including the Superior Court of Justice (STJ), the Regional Federal Court of the 3rd Region, the Embassy of Japan in Brazil, the Consulate-General of Japan in São Paulo, JAPAN HOUSE São Paulo, and the University of São Paulo. The program focused on key topics such as human rights, environmental issues, and artificial intelligence (AI), with the aim of fostering cross-cultural learning and participating in international conferenvce by having dialogue through the lens of law.
In São Paulo, the students paid a courtesy visit to Consul General Toru Shimizu, engaging in thoughtful discussions on student interests in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. They then visited JAPAN HOUSE, where they gained insights into the strong interest in Japanese culture among the Brazilian public. At the Regional Federal Court of the 3rd Region, students met with Presiding Judge Carlos Muta and toured the courtroom and exhibition areas, deepening their understanding of Brazil’s legal system.
The students also visited the University of São Paulo, a Campus-in-Campus (CiC) partner of the University of Tsukuba. There, they participated in discussions with local students on legal and social issues. Tsukuba students actively presented in English, making the experience a valuable opportunity for intercultural exchange. They also attended lectures by professors including Assistant Professor Akiyama engaging in further academic dialogue through Q&A sessions.
In Brasília, the students joined the 1st Brazil-Japan Law Congress hosted by the STJ. The conference featured sessions on topics such as “Climate Change, Environment and Human Rights” and “AI Governance.” Assistant Professor Akiyama delivered a presentation titled “Climate Change, Environment, Migration and Human Rights.” Students participated in the conference, joined the lunch with other attendees, and took part in the commemorative photo session, gaining firsthand experience in an international academic setting.
Additionally, the students joined a special guided tour of Brazil’s National Congress alongside other conference speakers. During the tour, they learned about the country’s legislative system and the structure of its parliamentary chambers.
The University of Tsukuba’s participation in this international exchange and conference was highly praised by the Brazilian institutions. The university co-hosted the 1st Brazil-Japan University Presidents’ Conference at the University of São Paulo in January 2025, and further academic collaboration between Japan and Brazil is expected to grow in the coming years.
Students and Assistant Professor Akiyama with Consul General Mr Toru Shimizu
Students and Assistant Professor Akiyama with Professor Emeritus Masato NinomiyaStudents of the University of Tsukuba and University of São Paulo
Assistant Professor Akiyama’s Presentation in 1st Brazil-Japan Law CongressStudents and Assistant Professor Akiyama with Chief Justice Herman Benjamin
From July 11 to 13, 2025, the “Study in Japan Fair” was held in Brazil as part of the 26th São Paulo Japan Festival, one of the world’s largest Japanese cultural events.
The Fair was organized under the “Global Network Project to Promote Study in Japan (South America Region)”, commissioned to the University of Tsukuba by Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). This year, 12 Japanese universities participated, exhibiting and distributing materials about study programs in Japan.
The São Paulo Japan Festival annually attracts visitors with a wide variety of cultural performances, food, and prefectural association (“kenjinkai”) booths. This year’s festival welcomed approximately 200,000 visitors over three days. Dr. FUKUSHIGE Mizuho, Director of the University of Tsukuba’s South America Office, was invited to the opening ceremony. Myaku-Myaku, the official character of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, appeared at the venue to promote the Expo and energize the crowd.
The University of Tsukuba has participated in this festival since 2016, steadily building its presence through the annual “Study in Japan Fair” booth. This year, the booth welcomed over 1,000 visitors.
Ahead of the on-site event, two online fairs were co-hosted with the Consulate-General of Japan in São Paulo on June 11 and 14, followed by a “Study in Japan Connect!” session on June 27, promoting study opportunities to students across Brazil.
At the festival, Mr. KANASIRO Alvaro Katsuaki, Study in Japan Coordinator, led four information sessions and, together with Dr. Fukushige and other staff members, he also offered individual consultations for students and parents – including participants from the June online fairs and visitors who traveled from afar.
Over the three days, many visitors expressed strong interest in studying in Japan, reflecting the growing enthusiasm among Brazilian students. We look forward to seeing more Brazilian students pursue their studies in Japan in the coming years.
Study in Japan Fair booth at the 26th Sao Paulo Japan Festival
Individual consultation session with students and parents
Mr. KANASIRO Alvaro Katsuaki, Study in Japan Coordinator, with Myaku-Myaku, the official character of Expo 2025 Osaka
On June 3, Dr. Paulo Schmidt, Advisor for Institutional Relations and International Cooperation at the Paraná State Secretariat for Science, Technology and Higher Education (SETI), Brazil, visited the University of Tsukuba.
Dr. Schmidt met with President NAGATA Kyosuke, Dr. OHNEDA Osamu (Vice President for Global Affairs), Dr. FUKUSHIGE Mizuho (Director of the South America Office), Dr. FUKUDA Naoya (Director of the Tsukuba-Plant Innovation Research Center , (T-PIRC), and Ms. IWAMI Sanae (Head of the Office of Global Initiatives).
The State of Paraná, SETI, and the University of Tsukuba have been strengthening their collaboration to promote research exchange through mutual visits. During this visit, the participants exchanged views to further mutual cooperation in promoting research exchange.
Further exchange is anticipated in the future.
Group photo From left: Dr. OHNEDA Osamu (n, Vice President for Global Affairs), Dr. FUKUSHIGE Mizuho (FukushigeDirector of the South America Office), ;President NAGATA Kyosuke,; Dr. Paulo Schmidt (Advisor, SETI),; and Dr. FUKUDA Naoya (Director, Tsukuba-Plant Innovation Research (T-PIRC).
On April 10th, the Consul General André CHERMONT DE LIMA, the Deputy Consul Daniel KÖHLER LEITE, the Vice Consul Flavio CORRÊA PINTO BASTOS, and the Secretary Claudia Rina KURANUKI from the Consulate General of Brazil in Tokyo visited the Tsukuba Campus.
The group met with Director of the South American Office, Mizuho FUKUSHIGE, and exchanged views on cooperation between the Consulate’s efforts related to the education of Brazilians in Japan and the activities of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology’s “Project to Strengthen Overseas Network Functions to Promote Study in Japan (South America),” which the University of Tsukuba is commissioned to carry out.
Through this visit, increased cooperation with relevant institutions in Brazil is expected, with the aim of enhancing the provision of information on Japanese higher education to Brazilian youth.
Overview of the Conversation
Consul General André CHERMONT DE LIMA with Director of the South American Office Dr. Mizuho FUKUSHIGE
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.
Discussion with faculty members From left: Dr. Koganezawa, Dr. Ho, Dr. Hurtado, Dr. Fukushige, Dr. Forero, Dr. Puentes, Dr. Ota and Dr. Carmelino.Vice-President’s Roundtable Discussion From left to right (starting from the fourth person): Dr. Ohneda, Dr. Hurtado, Dr. Forero and Dr. EndoExchange session with alumni students from Los Andes University
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Mr. ISHIKAWA Renato, Honorary President of the Brazilian Society of Japanese Culture and Social Assistance
