カテゴリー: Saopaulo-topics

On October 8, 2026, a delegation from the University of São Paulo (USP), led by Rector Aluísio Augusto Cotrim Segurado, visited University of Tsukuba to discuss further cooperation in research and education.

The delegation also included Professor Juliana de Moraes Leme Basso, Associate Director for Academic Cooperation at USP’s International Office, and Ms. Valéria de Vilhena Lombardi, a librarian at USP’s Faculty of Medicine. In addition to discussions between the two universities, the visit included tours of the campus, University Hospital, and research facilities.

Vice President for Global Affairs OHNEDA Osamu and Associate Professor FUKUSHIGE Mizuho, who is responsible for engagement with Latin America, introduced the University’s research strengths, international education initiatives, and collaboration with Tsukuba Science City. Arvin Valderrama, a specialist staff member in the Office of Global Initiatives and CiC Coordinator, presented the Campus-in-Campus (CiC) initiative and efforts to promote research exchanges through seed funding.

The delegation then paid a courtesy visit to President NAGATA Kyosuke. During the meeting, Rector Segurado emphasized that internationalization is essential to enabling students to address global challenges and described University of Tsukuba as an important strategic partner for USP. The two universities exchanged views on expanding joint research and student and researcher exchanges. They also discussed securing research funding and developing specific collaborations that draw on their respective strengths, particularly in agriculture and artificial intelligence.

The delegation also paid a courtesy visit to HIRAMATSU Yuji, Director of University of Tsukuba Hospital, and received an overview of the University’s medical programs and research activities. A subsequent tour of the rehabilitation department provided an opportunity to learn about advanced approaches combining robotics and medical care, including the use of the robotic suit HAL (Hybrid Assistive Limb) to support patients’ functional recovery.

The delegation then visited the International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine (IIIS), where Director YANAGISAWA Masashi and Administrative Director MOCHIZUKI Takatoshi introduced the institute’s research and facilities. Discussions explored opportunities for future cooperation through CiC, external research funding, and industry-academia collaboration.

The two universities reaffirmed their intention to further develop research and educational exchanges and strengthen a sustained and substantive partnership.

 

On October 2, 2026, University of Tsukuba held the “Study in Japan for South America: 10th Anniversary Session” at the University Hall as part of Tsukuba Global Science Week (TGSW) 2026. The session brought together 30 participants from within and outside the University to review a decade of the project’s activities and share perspectives on future higher education exchanges and in ter-university cooperation between Japan and South America.

The session welcomed Dr. ISHIKAWA Renato, Honorary President of the Brazilian Society of Japanese Culture and Social Assistance, and Professor NINOMIYA Masato, Senior Professor of the Faculty of Law, University of São Paulo. Following opening remarks by Vice President for Global Affairs OHNEDA Osamu, an introduction by Associate Professor FUKUSHIGE Mizuho, who oversees engagement with Latin America, and guest remarks by Professor NINOMIYA, Associate Professor FUKUSHIGE presented the project’s history and achievements. Launched in Brazil in fiscal year 2015, the project subsequently established a base in Peru and expanded its activities across South America.

Mr. Alvaro Katsuaki Kanasiro, Study in Japan Coordinator for Brazil, and Dr. Giancarlo Carmelino, Study in Japan Coordinator for Peru, reported on their work with local institutions, study abroad fairs, and online outreach. Video messages were also screened from Mr. Alexandre Suehiro de Paula e Silva, President of the Brazilian Association of Japan Alumni Scholars (ASEBEX), and Ms. Rosa Nakamatsu, President of the Japanese Peruvian Association.

In his keynote lecture, Dr. ISHIKAWA recalled the limited opportunities to obtain information about studying in Japan when he was young. He noted that Study in Japan activities had helped raise awareness of these opportunities.

President NAGATA Kyosuke emphasized that the greatest achievement of the past decade was the trust built with universities, their faculty, staff and students, and local communities. Referring to the Japan-Peru University Rectors’ Summit in 2019 and the Japan-Brazil University Rectors’ Summit in 2025, he reflected on how relationships had developed from student exchanges into broader inter-university cooperation. He also expressed his hope that collaboration would expand further into areas such as joint research.

Saza Coffee Co., Ltd., which has developed ties with the University and Dr. ISHIKAWA through coffee, provided commemorative gifts of University of Tsukuba Aliança Estate Coffee, jointly developed by the University and Saza Coffee.

Building on the trust and networks established to date, the University of Tsukuba will continue to serve as a hub connecting Japan and South America, promoting study in Japan and strengthening educational and research exchanges.

 

On August 17, Vice President for Global Affairs OHNEDA Osamu and FUKUSHIGE Mizuho, Director of the South America Office, visited the Consulate-General of Japan in São Paulo, where they met with Consul-General SUZUKI Yoriko and Consul TAKEYA Eiji.

During the meeting, the delegation provided an overview of a Study in Japan event planned for São Paulo in September and other activities scheduled for FY2026 under the “Global Network Project to Promote Study in Japan (South America Region),” a project commissioned by Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) and implemented by the University of Tsukuba. They also exchanged views on disseminating information about studying in Japan through a combination of online and in-person initiatives and on building networks among people with experience studying in Japan and prospective students. The participants also discussed future academic exchange between universities in Japan and Brazil.

The following day, August 18, Vice President OHNEDA and Director FUKUSHIGE visited Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, where they met with Maria Montt Strabucchi, Vice President for International Affairs, and other representatives. The University of Tsukuba delegation introduced the University’s priority research areas, its Campus-in-Campus (CiC) initiative, and schemes supporting joint research with universities and research-funding agencies in Japan and overseas. The two universities then exchanged views on ways to further promote joint research.

The delegation also introduced the Study in Japan Project and discussed the possibility of holding a Study in Japan information session at the university. The two sides agreed to continue exploring the possibility of organizing a session for students that would provide information on scholarships and other opportunities for studying in Japan.

Later that afternoon, the delegation visited the Embassy of Japan in Chile, where they met with Ambassador SONE Kenko and other Embassy representatives. Vice President OHNEDA expressed his appreciation for the Embassy’s continued support for the Study in Japan Project and briefed the Embassy on the discussions held with Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. He also introduced the mathematics education improvement project led by Specially Appointed Professor ISODA Masami of the University of Tsukuba. During the meeting, the participants exchanged information on recent developments concerning universities in Chile, as well as on student exchange and joint research between universities in Japan and Chile.

These visits are expected to further strengthen the framework for disseminating information about opportunities to study in Japan in Brazil and Chile, while also contributing to the further development of educational and research exchange and international university partnerships with institutions across South America.

On June 22, President NAGATA Kyosuke and Vice President for Global Affairs OHNEDA Osamu visited the Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN) in Mexico City and met with Director General Arturo Reyes Sandoval and other university representatives.

IPN hosted the 6th Japan–Mexico Rectors’ Summit in 2024 and is one of the key partner institutions supporting the 7th Japan–Mexico Rectors’ Summit, which will be hosted by University of Tsukuba in September 2026.

On the same day, President NAGATA and Vice President OHNEDA also visited the Embassy of Japan in Mexico and paid a courtesy call on Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary HONSEI Kozo. During the meeting, they exchanged views on the 7th Japan–Mexico Rectors’ Summit and broader academic exchanges between Japan and Mexico.

Through this series of visits, cooperation toward the 7th Japan–Mexico Rectors’ Summit was further strengthened. The visits are also expected to contribute to the further development of educational and research exchanges between University of Tsukuba and universities in Mexico.

On February 9, University of Tsukuba held the “Study in Japan Project 10th Anniversary Ceremony” in São Paulo, Brazil. Since being commissioned in 2015 by Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) under the Global Network Project to Promote Study in Japan and establishing an overseas network hub for South America, the University has promoted the appeal of studying in Japan, conducted student recruitment activities, and strengthened partnerships with local institutions across the region.

The ceremony marked a significant milestone in the Project’s ten-year history and reaffirmed the University’s commitment as principal coordinator of this Project to further advancing study-in-Japan initiatives, particularly in Brazil. Approximately 40 representatives from related organizations attended, including H.E. SUZUKI Yoriko, Consul General of Japan in São Paulo; Mr. Roberto Yoshihiro Nishio, President of the Brazilian Society of Japanese Culture and Social Assistance (BUNKYO); and other distinguished guests.

The event was held in the VIP Room of BUNKYO, a long-standing partner of the University. Following opening remarks by Vice President for Global Affairs OHNEDA Osamu, President NAGATA Kyosuke delivered the host’s address. Congratulatory remarks were subsequently offered by Consul General SUZUKI; President Nishio; and Professor Aluisio Segurado, newly appointed President of the University of São Paulo (USP), whose message was read by Vice President for International Affairs Paulo Braz. A congratulatory message was also delivered via video by Mr. Shigekazu Matsuura, Deputy Director-General of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, in charge of Higher Education and Science and Technology Policy Coordination. Dr. FUKUSHIGE Mizuho, Director of the South America Office, then delivered a presentation titled “Presentation of Study in Japan’s 10-year History,” highlighting the University’s initiatives and accomplishments over the past decade.

During the luncheon reception, participants engaged in active discussions on future avenues for cooperation and the expansion of student exchange. The cordial atmosphere fostered meaningful exchanges and reaffirmed the Project’s role as a bridge between Brazil and Japan. Participants also expressed appreciation for continued opportunities for engagement and emphasized the importance of strengthening higher education collaboration between the two countries.

The ceremony also included the conferral of an honorary doctorate from the University of Tsukuba. President NAGATA awarded the honorary degree to Dr. Renato Ishikawa, Honorary President of BUNKYO, in recognition of his long-standing contributions to promoting exchange and human resource development between Japan and Brazil, as well as his significant support for the University’s education and research activities.

Before and after the ceremony, President NAGATA held separate meetings with President Nishio, Consul General SUZUKI, and President Segurado to exchange views on enhancing collaboration and advancing initiatives that contribute to the continued development of both countries.

University of Tsukuba will continue to support students from Brazil and across South America in pursuing study opportunities in Japan, further strengthen partnerships with local institutions, and actively promote two-way academic exchange.

On February 2, 2026, H.E. HONSEI Kozo, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Mexico, visited University of Tsukuba and met with President NAGATA Kyosuke, Vice President for Global Affairs OHNEDA Osamu, and other university officials.

During the meeting, the participants exchanged views on future cooperation, including the 7th Japan–Mexico Rectors’ Summit, scheduled to be held in September 2026, with University of Tsukuba serving as the organizing university.

This visit is expected to contribute to the further development of cooperative relations between University of Tsukuba and Mexico.

 

On December 9, 2025, H.E. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary NOGUCHI Yasushi of the Embassy of Japan in Brazil visited University of Tsukuba and met with President NAGATA Kyosuke, Vice President for Global Affairs OHNEDA Osamu, and other university officials.

During the meeting, the participants exchanged views on future directions for collaboration, touching on academic exchange between Japan and Brazil as well as the University’s ongoing activities in Brazil. The discussion also referred to the University’s planned visit to Brazil in 2026, with expectations for further strengthening bilateral engagement.

This visit is expected to contribute to the continued development of cooperative relations between University of Tsukuba and Brazil.

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.

 

 

 

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 300 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.