Message from President Washida for Partner Universities, friends, and colleagues

Dear partner universities, friends, and colleagues,

Please permit me to express our heartfelt appreciation to all of you for your expressions of concern, support, and encouragement following the earthquake and tsunami that devastated northeastern Japan. As you may know, Osaka University is far away from the epicenter and the affected nuclear power plants — we are located over 500 kilometers from Fukushima and at an altitude of 50 meters. Please be informed and rest assured that Osaka University’s research, education and administrative activities are functioning as normal and we plan to begin the new academic year on Friday, April 1.

Furthermore, we would like you to know that our Department of International Affairs has checked and confirmed the safety of all of our exchange students and that we fully intend and are prepared to support all international students in every way as they continue their studies at Osaka University. Moreover, we are considering ways in which we can be of assistance and support to universities in the areas devastated by the earthquake and tsunami.

We will continue to monitor the situation and will take all steps necessary to ensure the safety of all our students, faculty, and staff. We also ask our partner institutions overseas to support their Japanese students, particularly those from northeastern Japan who doubtlessly have families and friends back home.

Sincerely yours,


President, Osaka University