[AY2026] Activity at Oversea Centers

On June 27, 2026, the University of Osaka participated in an international exchange session held by the Embassy of Japan in China.
Approximately 58 students, primarily those interested in studying abroad or pursuing further education in the fields of science and humanities, visited UOsaka’s booth. Local staff from the East Asian Center for Academic Initiatives responded to visitors’ questions and introduced the attractions and academic strengths of our university.

On June 24, 2026, ITO Chihiro, Vice Director of the Institute for International Initiatives and Ningxu Ma, Director of the East Asian Center for Academic Initiatives visited SANKEN (The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research) on UOsaka’s Suita Campus. During the visit, NAGAI Takeharu, Director of SANKEN, first provided an overview of the institute, followed by a tour of its research facilities.
The tour began with an introduction by Associate Professor OHSHIRO Takahito to the research activities of the Department of Bio-Nanotechnology (Taniguchi Lab.). Subsequently, Professor UEMURA Takafumi explained the research conducted in the Department of Advanced Thin-Film Functional Properties (Uemura Lab.) as well as its research environment. In addition, Director NAGAI introduced the Department of Biomolecular Science and Engineering (Nagai Lab.).
Through these visits, the participants gained a deeper understanding of the cutting-edge research activities and research infrastructure at SANKEN and exchanged views on potential future collaborations.
The Overseas Centers will continue to work closely with various departments across UOsaka to further strengthen international collaboration.

On June 18, 2026, the University of Osaka participated in an online international exchange session held at Shanghai MINGFU Japanese Highschool. During the session, we introduced an overview of our university and explained the differences between undergraduate schools and graduate schools. We also invited two alumni, YAMADA Masayoshi (Director of the Osaka Prefectural Government Shanghai Office and President of the Shanghai Alumni Association) and Liu Lei, who spoke about career paths and employment opportunities after graduation. In addition, Feng Jie, a current graduate student at our university, gave a presentation on the university’s learning environment. A total of 6,195 participants—including high school students, university students, graduate students, and parents—attended the session.

On June 4, 2026, Professor KAWASAKI Ryo of the Graduate School of Medicine visited the East Asian Center for Academic Initiatives and met with the local staff. During the meeting, they exchanged information on the Graduate School of Medicine's student exchange programs and the current status of collaboration with universities in China. They also discussed potential opportunities for future cooperation.

On May 28, 2026, MATSUNO Kenji, Director of European Center for Academic Initiatives, FUJITA Kiyoshi, Regional Director of the ASEAN Center for Academic Initiatives, Ningxu Ma, Director of the East Asian Center for Academic Initiatives, SUMIMURA Yoshinori, Director of the Overseas Campus Division at the Institute for International Initiatives visited the Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research (CiDER) on UOsaka’s Suita Campus. On the day of the visit, following an overview explanation and Q&A session by KANEDA Yasufumi, Specially Appointed Professor and Executive Advisor to CiDER, the participants toured the co-creation spaces and open laboratories under his guidance, and received an explanation of CiDER’s shared laboratory facilities. In addition, Director MATSUNO shared perspectives on the future development of UOsaka’s overseas offices and campuses. UOsaka will continue to work in collaboration with its departments to further strengthen international partnerships.

On Monday, May 25, 2026, Prof. Gi W. Yun (Dean, Professor, and Fred W. Smith Chair) from the University of Nevada, Reno visited the University of Osaka. He met with Beverly Anne YAMAMOTO (Regional Director of the North American Center, the Institute for International Initiatives) and exchanged views on the possibility of UOsaka collaborating in a student program that the University of Nevada, Reno plans to host next year.

On May 19, 2026, the University of Osaka Alumni Gathering was held in Shanghai. Following opening remarks by Ningxu Ma, Director of the East Asian Center for Academic Initiatives, participants introduced themselves and shared updates on their recent activities. In addition to UOsaka alumni, Japanese exchange students studying at universities in Shanghai also participated, bringing the total number to 19. Alumni also advised on career development to the students, making the event an opportunity for cross-generational exchange of ideas.

On May 18, 2026, Ningxu Ma, Director of the East Asian Center for Academic Initiatives at the Institute for International Initiatives visited Shanghai Jiao Tong University. During the meeting with the university’s International Division, views were exchanged on the current state of student exchanges with Japan and future prospects. During visits to the Schools of Materials Science and Engineering and Mechanical Engineering, Director Ma talked about the overview of the University of Osaka to faculty members and graduate students who are UOsaka’s alumni, and views were exchanged on promoting international collaborative research and co-authored publications. Furthermore, on May 19, Director Ma visited Tongji University, and extensive discussions were held with the International Division and relevant departments on student exchanges and academic collaboration.


Top left photo: Visit to the College of Civil Engineering, Tongji University
Top center photo: Visit to the International Division, Tongji University
Top right photo: Visit to the School of Economics and Management, Tongji University
Bottom left photo: Visit to the Department of Disaster Mitigation for Structures, Tongji University
Bottom right photo: Visit to the Shanghai International College of Intellectual Property, Tongji University

On May 18, 2026, approximately 20 students from Suankularb Wittayalai School in Thailand visited the University of Osaka. At the university information session held at the Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research, FUJITA Kiyoshi (Director of the ASEAN Center for Academic Initiatives) introduced the university’s educational and research activities, student exchange programs for international students, and industry-university collaboration initiatives. The students actively asked questions about campus life. Following the session, they visited SANKEN (The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research), the International College, and the Graduate School of Engineering Science, touring laboratories and attending lectures.

On May 12, 2026, YABUTA Kazumi (Deputy Director of JSPS Bangkok Research Liaison Center) and other representatives visited the ASEAN Center Office and the ASEAN Campus Joint Office. They held discussions with FUJITA Kiyoshi (Director of the ASEAN Center for Academic Initiatives), KANJAMAPORNKUL SATHIDA (Specially Appointed Assistant Professor), and staff from the Department of International Affairs. (Director FUJITA and the Department of International Affairs participated online, from Japan). Presentations were given on JSPS international exchange programs and the university’s ASEAN Campus initiative, followed by an exchange of views on educational and research collaboration between the University of Osaka and universities in Thailand.

On May 7, 2026, Professor Gilles FORLOT (Vice-President for European and International Affairs) of the National Institute of Oriental Languages (INALCO) visited the University of Osaka. Discussions were held with MATSUNO Kenji (Regional Director, European Center for Academic Initiatives) as well as with faculty members from the Graduate School of Humanities and the Graduate School of Human Sciences, where they exchanged opinions and information regarding educational and research exchanges between INALCO and the University of Osaka.

On April 23 and 24, 2026, a delegation of 10 members from the University of California, Santa Cruz (UC Santa Cruz), including Prof. Guido Bordigno (Faculty Director for Global Engagement, Professor, Department of Molecular, Cell & Developmental Biology, Division of Sciences), visited the University of Osaka. On the 23rd, a meeting was held with ITO Chihiro (Vice Director of the Institute for International Initiatives), MATSUNO Kenji (Regional Director, European Center for Academic Initiatives), Ma Ninshuu (Regional Director, East Asian Center for Academic Initiatives), OOBAYASHI Saori (Associate Professor), and Zhang Ya (Specially Appointed Assistant Professor). On the 24th, the morning began with a presentation by Associate Professor OKAMOTO Noriko (Office of Management and Planning) regarding UOsaka’s grants. In the afternoon, each researcher visited graduate schools and other departments related to their respective fields of study to have meetings. On both days, there was a lively exchange of views regarding future collaboration and exchange.

On April 23, 2026, Executive Vice President HAYASHI Mikako, FUJITA Kiyoshi (Director of the ASEAN Center for Academic Initiatives), and KANJAMAPORNKUL SATHIDA (Specially Appointed Assistant Professor) from the University of Osaka participated in the STS Forum Japan-Thailand Symposium 2026 held in Bangkok, Thailand.
The symposium, themed “The Great Convergence: AI-Driven Health, Environment, and Bio-Economy,” featured a keynote speech by Executive Vice President Hayashi titled “Live Locally, Grow Globally—Creating a New Era with Convergence Knowledge,” in which she introduced our university’s cutting-edge research. The event also included presentations and lectures by participating institutions from Thailand and Japan. Furthermore, during a meeting with Thai government agencies, opinions were exchanged regarding the promotion of collaboration and exchange between our university and Thai academic institutions.

On April 22, 2026, Director MATSUNO Kenji at European Center for Academic Initiatives of Institute for International Initiatives attended the “Italian Research Day in the World 2026” event held at the Italian Embassy in Japan. Participants exchanged views with Italy‑related researchers from Japan and abroad and gathered information on joint research and outcomes in the field of Earth and Environmental Sciences and Information Sciences.

On April 17, 2026, a delegation of six members from Kristiania University of Applied Sciences in Norway and related Norwegian institutions, including Mr. Carl Joakim Gagnon (Senior Adviser at the Department of Research Administration), visited the University of Osaka. During the discussion with Director MATSUNO Kenji at European Center for Academic Initiatives of Institute for International Initiatives, the delegation and the University of Osaka talked about profiles of both universities and exchanged opinions on industry–research collaboration in Japan and Norway. An overview of the university’s exchange programs and campus life was also presented.

On April 16, 2026, MATSUNO Kenji, Director of European Center for Academic Initiatives, and Ningxu Ma, Director of the East Asian Center for Academic Initiatives, at the Institute for International Initiatives, visited the Center for Quantum Information and Quantum Biology (QIQB) on UOsaka’s Toyonaka Campus. The purpose of this visit was to receive an overview of QIQB’s current research and educational activities, including issues it faces, and to exchange views on future international development. On the day of the visit, following an explanation of QIQB’s history, research achievements, and initiatives related to university-based startups, the participants toured experimental facilities such as ion traps, quantum networks, and superconducting quantum computers, and engaged in active discussions on the research. The directors shared updates on the overseas activities, as well as their perspectives on promoting international joint research and student exchange. UOsaka’s overseas offices will continue to collaborate with the departments of the university to strengthen international partnerships.

◎ This visit is also featured on the website of QIQB.

On April 14, 2026, YAMAGUCHI Hideyuki, Director of the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science Beijing Office, and Kanako Imajo, Deputy Director, visited our East Asian Center for Academic Initiatives and met with the local staff. During the visit, the JSPS representatives introduced several international exchange programs, including Kiheikai (Liaison Conference for Japan–China Higher Education Exchange). In turn, the University of Osaka presented an overview of the activities and initiatives carried out by our East Asian Center for Academic Initiatives.