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.
