Japan-Brazil University Rectors’ Summit Held in São Paulo, Brazil

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.

 

Introduction of participating Brazilian universities by Prof. Sergio Proença, USP Provost for International Cooperation
Introduction of participating Japanese universities by Prof. OHNEDA Osamu, Director General of Bureau of Global Initiatives, University of Tsukuba

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.”

 

Keynote lecture by Prof. NINOMIYA, USP

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.

Group discussion

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.

Signing of Joint Declaration:USP Rector Carlotti and President NAGATA

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.

Reception at the residence of the Consul-General of Japan in São Paulo (L-R: Consul-General SHIMIZU, President NAGATA, Ambassador HAYASHI, USP Rector Carlotti, CNPq President Galvão)

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.

Fazenda Aliança coffee farm tour: group photo
Fazenda Aliança coffee farm tour: coffee bean drying facilities

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.

With UFMG Rector Goulart Almeida Sandra, after the signing of the agreement

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.

University of Tsukuba participated in the 6th Mexico-Japan Rectors’ Summit

2024.10.1
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.


Study in Japan Fair in Brazil held at the 25th Sao Paulo Japan Festival

2024.07.12~07.14

From July 12 to July 14, “Study in Japan Fair” was held at the 25th Japan Festival in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The Fair was part of this year’s activities of the Global Network Project to Promote Study in Japan (South America Regional Office), a project that University of Tsukuba is entrusted from MEXT (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan). At the fair, a total of 18 Japanese educational institutions exhibited or distributed materials introducing their programs and courses. Among them, three institutions dispatched representatives from Japan to Sao Paulo to provide detailed explanations to visitors.

The Japan Festival in Sao Paulo is one of the largest Japanese festivals in the world that offers various cultural and food events every year. Kenjinkai, association of different Japanese prefectures, also have their booths. This year, the festival attracted approximately 184,000 people over the three days. Mizuho FUKUSHIGE, Deputy Director of South America Office, Tsukuba University was invited to participate in the opening ceremony of the festival.

Since 2016, Study in Japan Fair in Sao Paulo has assisted the participation of Japanese educational institutions to reach out to prospective Brazilian students at the Sao Paulo Japan Festival. This year, about 1,000 people visited “Study in Japan” booth including those came from the states of Minas Gerais and Parana. In the presentation area, the Study in Japan team provided a total of four information-sharing sessions, and about 80 people participated in total.

↑【”Study in Japan” booth at the 25th Sao Paulo Japan Festival】

↑【”Study in Japan” booth】

↑【”Study in Japan” consultation desk】

↑【”Study in Japan” booth】

↑【”Study in Japan” booth】

↑【Information-sharing sessions】

SEMESP (Brazil) delegation visits University of Tsukuba

2024.5.23

On May 20, a delegation of about 40 members from Brazilian Institution SEMESP (Sindicato dos Estabelecimentos de Ensino no Estado de Sao Paulo), led by Prof. Rodrigo Capelato, Executive Director of SEMESP and Prof. Alexandre Uehara of ESPM (Escola Superior de Propaganda e Marketing), visited University of Tsukuba. The delegation consisted of supporters, educational managers and faculty members in different academic fields from institutions of higher education in various Brazilian cities.

This visit was part of SEMESP’s annual international technical mission to overseas, which was scheduled from May 15 to May 28 to Japan this year. It aimed at acquiring new knowledge and exchanging international experiences that could contribute to renovating management and teaching at Brazilian institutions of higher educations.

Prof. OHNEDA (Executive Officer, and Director General of Bureau of Global Initiatives), Prof. SAKURAI (Director, Office of Global Initiatives) and Prof. MORIO (Office of Global Initiatives), Prof. MARCOS (Institute of Life and Environmental Sciences) and Prof. ARANHA (Institute of Systems and Information Engineering) received the delegation and provided the overview of University of Tsukuba focusing on acceptance of international students and support system for them, all-Japan “Study in Japan” project activities for South America since 2015, and JV-Campus, an online platform for higher education which the university has been taking the lead.

From SEMESP side, Prof. Capelato presented current status of institutions of higher education and trends of students wishing to pursue higher education in Brazil in recent years.

This visit is expected to strengthen the “Study in Japan” network with Brazilian institutions of higher education to attract more students to Japan in the future.

SEMESP delegation
Prof. Capelato (SEMESP)(Left)and Prof. Ohneda(Right)
Prof. Uehara (ESPM)(Left)

University of Tsukuba accepted high school students from Peru under the JST Sakura Science Program

2024.03.22

Thanks to the support of the Sakura Science Program, eight students and two accompanying teachers from La Unión and Jose Galvez Schools in Peru participated in a seven-day training program from February 25 to March 2, 2024. During the training, participants learned about cutting-edge disaster mitigation and disaster prevention science and technology, research, and initiatives in Japan, visited Japanese universities, and broaden their options for future career paths, including studying abroad in Japan.

The group arrived in Tsukuba City on the evening of February 25th and began their stay in Japan at the University of Tsukuba Global Guest House.

The opening ceremony was held with the presence of the Ambassador Plenipotentiary of Peru to Japan, Mr. Roberto Seminario and the attendance of six faculty members from University of Tsukuba, including Professor Osamu Oneda, Director of Bureau of Global Initiatives and Dr. Tadachika Koganezawa, Associate Professor, as well as Professor Yasunori Takemura, Assistant Professor Moeko Tominaga from Nishinippon Institute of Technology, and Associate Professor Andrea Urushima from Kyoto Seika University, which were the host universities for this training program. Additionally, parents of participating students from Peru attended online. After the ceremony, a meeting was held between the participating students and the Ambassador Seminario.

Lecture with Prof. Umemoto
Lecture with Prof. Puentes
In Pressure-Adjusting Water Tank at Metropolitan Outer Area Underground Discharge Channel

Following the ceremony, Assistant Professor Sandra Puentes introduced the university’s Bachelor’s Program in Interdisciplinary Engineering offered in English, followed by her own volunteer activities after the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. In the afternoon, Associate Professor Michitaka Umemoto of the University of Tsukuba’s Urban Disaster Prevention Laboratory gave a lecture on “Urban Planning and Disaster Management in Tsukuba Science City,” where participants learned about the cycle of disaster risk and “disaster prevention,” “disaster mitigation” through urban planning approaches, and construction and disaster prevention in Tsukuba Science City. On February 27, the participants visited “Michino-Eki Joso,” which opened in April 2023 in Joso City, the National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Resilience in Tsukuba City, and the Metropolitan Area Outer Discharge Channel, one of the largest underground discharge channels in the world, developed by integrating the most advanced Japanese civil engineering technologies in Kasukabe City, Saitama Prefecture.

The delegation was split into two groups, with one staying in Kyoto and the other in Fukuoka from February 28 to March 2, for training sessions at Kyoto Seika University and Nishinippon Institute of Technology, respectively. The closing ceremony and certificate distribution took place on March 2, after which the students returned to Peru.

Campus tour at NIT
Icebreaking game with NIT students
Campus tour at Kyoto Seika University
Showing the traditional Peruvian Dance during international exchange lunch

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the JST Sakura Science Program for offering us this invaluable training opportunity. We aspire for the participating students to revisit Japan as international scholars, fostering continued exchange between our university and La Unión School and Jose Galvez School.

For more information, please refer to the Sakura Science Activity Report.

https://ssp.jst.go.jp/report/2023/

 

Online study abroad fair held for students from South America.

2024.2.22

On February 22, 2024 (Thursday) we held the online study abroad fair for High School Students, University Students and Parents to attract potential candidates from the South American region. This fair was implemented as part of the Study in Japan Overseas Base Cooperation Promotion Project (South America) adopted by our university.

This online fair was conducted live on various platforms such as YouTube, Instagram and Facebook, having the streaming divided into two sessions, A and B, each moderated by a Brazilian and a Peruvian UIA from the University’s International Office.

After welcoming JASSO staff to disseminate information on scholarships in the common session, faculty members from various universities, both public and private, and staff from Japanese language schools conducted brief introductions of their schools in Session A and B, respectively.

At the same time, each participating institution in the fair opened their consultation booths on ZOOM to provide detailed information about their programs and faculties, and to answer the questions of the participants.

The total number of viewers in both sessions was 5,160, and the maximum number of simultaneous viewers was 760.

More than 1,000 people visited the ZOOM consultation booths which was perceived as a great success.

Participating universities in Japan commented that they were able to meet directly with students and to inform them about university programs and opportunities, and that it was a valuable experience. It is expected that online fairs will continue to be actively held in the future.

【 Greetings from the UIA of our University】

 

【 Introduction of ARC Japanese Language School 】

【Ritsumeikan University Presentation】

【Doshisha University Graduate School of Business zoom consultation booth】

Sakura Science Exchange Program Participants Participate in Pre-departure Training at CISMID (The Japan-Peru Earthquake Disaster Mitigation Center)

Group photo of Sakura Science Exchange Program

2024.02.06

On Tuesday, February 6, 2024, JICA Peru and the Japan-Peru Earthquake Disaster Mitigation Center (CISMID)* jointly organized a pre-training session for the participants of the Sakura Science Program, who will visit Japan from February 25 to March 2, attended by six high school students from Jose Galvez School and La Union School, and three teachers. This workshop was requested by University of Tsukuba to JICA Peru as part of the Sakura Science Exchange Program training program which will start in Japan from February 25 to March 2, 2024.

At the beginning of the workshop, Mr. Denis Sano of JICA Peru gave a presentation on the background of the request to conduct this program from the University of Tsukuba to JICA Peru and JICA’s cooperation in disaster management in Peru. Following CISMID’s efforts in the fields of soil, earthquakes, and structures were introduced by Dr. Edisson Moscoso, the group toured the Earthquake Monitoring Center, the Disaster Prevention Awareness Center, and the Structures Lab. It was impressive to see how earnestly the participating high school students and their teachers listened to these explanations.

CISMID has active members who have obtained master’s and doctoral degrees in Japan, and they spoke about their study abroad and career paths in Japan, providing a good opportunity for the participating high school students to broaden their options for their future career paths, including study abroad in Japan.

 

The group will leave for Japan on February 24 and arrive in Japan on February 25. They will begin their program in Japan on February 26, where they will learn about Japan’s cutting-edge science, technology, initiatives, and research on disaster mitigation and prevention, building on what they learned during their training in Peru. In addition, from February 28, students will be divided into two groups and visit either Kyoto Seika University or Nishinippon Institute of Technology for training and cultural experiences. It is hoped that this training will be a step forward in fostering human resources who will be responsible for future research and initiatives in the field of disaster prevention and mitigation in Japan and Peru.

 

*The Japan-Peru Earthquake Disaster Mitigation Center (CISMID) was established at the National University of Engineering of Peru with the cooperation of Japan to research and disseminate urban disaster prevention planning and disaster prevention technologies.

Test site for wall’s seismic resistance
At lecture
Learning Tsunami mechanism using the Tsunami simulator

Opening Ceremony for Peru’s 2nd Satellite Office of Study in Japan and the University of Tsukuba’s base of South America, (November 6, 2023)

President Nagata (left) and President Nakasone (right) cutting the ribbon

2023.11.25

 

On November 6, the opening ceremony for for Peru’s 2nd Satellite Office “Study in Japan Global Network Project (South America)” and of the University of Tsukuba’s South America office was held at the Peruvian Japanese Cultural Center (CCPJ).

The opening ceremony was held following the signing of the agreement on March 14 to open an office in the CCPJ to promote activities related to the MEXT’s “Study in Japan Global Network Project (South America),” which the university has been selected as a project base in South America.

President NAGATA Kyosuke began by saying, “It is an honor for us to be able to conclude this agreement and hold the opening ceremony on this milestone occasion, which marks the 150th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Peru. On behalf of our entire university, I would like to express our sincere and enthusiastic gratitude to all those who have given so much support to our university’s activities in Peru”. He also expressed his gratitude to all those involved for their generous support of the university’s activities in Peru. President Nagata stated, “We aim to attract more international students from Spanish-speaking countries, including Peru, and to provide opportunities for them to study Japanese language and culture in cooperation with universities and related institutions”.

Mr. Juan Carlos Nakasone Oshiro, President of the Peruvian Japanese Association, said, “This office is not only a physical space, but also a bridge between two cultures, a place for the exchange of academic knowledge and skills, joint research, and the promotion of joint cultural activities, as well as an important presence in the development of projects for the teaching and promotion of the Japanese language. It can also be an important presence in the development of projects for the teaching and dissemination of the Japanese language. The “Study in Japan” project, which is our primary focus, has the potential to offer Peruvian youth a great opportunity to study and to gain knowledge in Japan, a world leader in technology, research, science, culture, and other fields. We look forward to the positive impact this new endeavor will have in the future and hope that it will become a symbol of cooperation and friendship between Peru and Japan”. Afterwards, President Nagata and Chairman Nakasone cut the ribbon to celebrate the opening of the new office amidst a crowd of about 40 attendees.

 

With the establishment of the Satellite Office in the Peruvian Japanese Cultural Center, it is expected that the Satellite Office will be active in Peru and Spanish-speaking countries and will not only promote the acquisition of foreign students from Peru and Spanish-speaking countries, but will also help to further strengthen cooperation, especially in Japanese language education.

President Nagata delivers opening remarks
Group photo


Welcome! Academic Director of International Affairs of Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú (PUCP) Visits University of Tsukuba

From left: Dr. Rodrigo Fernandez UIA (for Brazil), Prof. Morio, Director General Oneda, Academic Director for International Affairs Prof. Scaletti, Prof. Emeritus Osonoi, Dr. Giancarlo Carmelino UIA (for Peru)
2023.09.13

 

On Wednesday, September 6th, 2023, Professor Adriana Scaletti, Academic Director of International Affairs from Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú (PUCP), visited UT and met with Professor Osamu Oneda, Director General of Bureau of Global Initiatives (BGI)/Director for South America, Professor Takahiro Morio, Professor of BGI, and Shigeo Osonoi, Professor Emeritus/Coordinator of Study in Japan (South America).

 

During the meeting, they exchanged views and opinions about the situation of student mobility after COVID-19, institutional activities to mutually promote study in Japan and Peru among their students, and upcoming Study in Japan fair to be held at Open PUCP in this November as part of the “Study in Japan (South America)” project commissioned by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan (MEXT).

 

In addition, Professor Scaletti also had the opportunity to meet with other faculty members from UT. She met with Associate Professor Ichita Shimoda from the Heritage Studies program, Associate Professor Kyota Yamada, and Assistant Professor Osamu Kato from the Institute of Art and Design. With the acknowledgement of past student exchanges between both institutions, they discussed possibilities for reactivating researcher and student mobility, as well as encouraging participation in academic events centered on World Heritage and Architectural Design after COVID-19.

 

UT and PUCP signed the MOU in 2018 and have continued student/researcher exchanges and the implementation of Study in Japan fairs under the “Study in Japan (South America)” project.

 

We hope that this visit will lead to further enhancement of mutual exchange between UT and PUCP benefiting specially to the students in both countries.

 

Left: Associate Professor Shimoda, Right: Professor Scaletti
From left: Assistant Professor Kato, Professor Scaletti,Associate Professor Yamada, and Dr. Giancarlo Carmelino UIA (for Peru)

“Study in Japan Connect!” was jointly held with Kyushu University, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU), and University of Tsukuba as part of Study in Japan Global Network Project in South America (5/26 for Spanish-speaking countries and regions in South America, 6/2 for Brazil)

2023.06.12

On May 26 and June 2, 2023, “Study in Japan Connect!,” webinars toward South American countries were held. These webinars were organized in response to a request to  Study in Japan Global Network Project in South America from Kyushu University and Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) that wish to implement student recruitment activities targeting the South American countries and regions where there are many Nikkei communities and prospective students.

Each webinar started off with the introductory presentation on studying in Japan presented by Drs. Giancarlo Carmelino and Rodrigo Fernandes, Study Abroad Sub-coordinators of the Study in Japan Global Network Project, respectively. In order of University of Tsukuba, APU, and Kyushu University, each university gave a 15-minute introductory presentation on each university.

Individual consultation rooms were then set up at each university utilizing breakout rooms to address questions and consultations from participants. Participants asked questions and asked for advice on scholarships and other financial aid, various degree programs, student life, and admission procedures. Parents also participated and asked questions, indicating the high level of their interest in studying in Japan as well as students.

Both webinars were a great success with approximately 150 participants from Peru, Colombia, Chile, Argentina, Mexico, and other countries, and with approximately 80 participants from Sao Paulo, Curitiba, Minas Gerais, Campinas, and other Brazilian cities.

 

Webinar for Spanish-speaking South American countries

 

Webinar for Brazil