By Sanjeet Amatya
The President of the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Prof. Kazuo Yamamoto, embarked on an official visit to Japan from October 2 to October 6, 2023. During his mission, he engaged in various meetings and discussions aimed at strengthening partnerships, exploring potential collaborations, and reinforcing relationships with key academic and governmental institutions in Japan.
2nd October: Courteous Meeting at MOFA and Collaboration Discussions
On the first day of his visit, President Yamamoto paid a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). The meeting featured discussions with Mr. Naoaki Kamoshida, Director of the Country Assistance Division I, International Cooperation Bureau, and Mr. Junki Kajihara, Assistant Director, regarding the current situation at AIT and potential collaborations with MOFA. These discussions laid the groundwork for enhanced cooperation between AIT and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Mr. Naoaki Kamoshida is also the person in charge of AIT.
On the same day, President Yamamoto also had the opportunity to visit professors at the University of Tokyo. His conversation with Prof. Takeuchi Wataru from the Institute of Industrial Science (IIS) revolved around potential collaborative projects between AIT and the University of Tokyo.
3rd October: Exploring Partnerships with JICA
Continuing his mission, President Yamamoto met with representatives of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) at their headquarters. Discussions were held with Ms. Sachiko Imoto, Senior Vice President of JICA, and various JICA officials. The meeting explored potential collaborations between AIT and JICA on upcoming projects and initiatives.
In picture from left to right
Mr. Takenori Nasu, Director, South Asia Division 4; Mr. Kenichi Shirouzu, Senior Deputy Director, Southeast Asia Division 4; Prof. Kazuo Yamamoto; Ms. Sachiko Imoto, Senior Vice President; Mr. Akihiro Iwasaki, Senior Director, Technical and Higher Education Team and Social Security Group, Human Development Department; Ms. Yuri Suzuki, Deputy Assistant Director, Technical and Higher Education Team, Human Development Department
Enhancing Collaboration with the University of Tokyo and Shizenkan University
On the same day, President Yamamoto visited the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Tokyo. Engaging with academics and administrators, including Prof. Kouhei Tsumoto, Vice Dean, and Prof. Yasuhiro Kato, Dean of the School of Engineering, President Yamamoto discussed avenues for strengthening relationships, such as faculty secondments and student exchanges.
In the picture from left to right: Prof. Kouhei Tsumoto, Vice Dean, School of Engineering; Prof. Yasuhiro Kato, Dean, School of Engineering; Prof. Kazuo Yamamoto, AIT President; Prof. Hodeki Koizumi, Head of the Department of Urban Engineering; Prof. Hiroyuki Katayama, Professor, Department of Urban Engineering
Later, he visited Shizenkan University and met with Dr. Tomo Noda, Founder and President of the university. Shizenkan University is renowned for its business school specializing in executive programs and its extensive network with Japanese companies. President Yamamoto expressed AIT’s readiness to collaborate with Shizenkan University and connect with companies in Japan.
4th and 5th October: Strengthening Ties with Kyoto University and Kindai University
On October 4th, President Yamamoto continued his official visit with meetings at Kyoto University, where he met with the university’s President, Vice President, and senior professors, including Prof. Nagahiro Minato, President, Prof. Shigeo Fujii, Professor Emeritus, Prof. Junici Susaki, Dept. of Civil and Earth Resource Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Prof. Yasuyuki Kono, Vice-President for International Strategy, and Prof. Shinya Echigo, Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies.
Notably, he also met with five Ph.D. students at Kyoto University who had graduated from AIT’s Master’s program in Environmental Engineering. The discussions focused on strengthening relationships, faculty secondments, and student exchanges, further solidifying the connection between AIT and Kyoto University.
On October 5th, President Yamamoto met with Vice President Hiashi Fujihara of Kindai University and engaged in several fruitful discussions. These discussions explored potential collaborations and research initiatives between AIT and Kindai University, an emerging private university in Japan.
6th October: Strengthening Academic Ties with Ochanomizu University and University of Tokyo
On the final day of his visit, President Yamamoto met with Prof. Yasuko Sasaki, President of Ochanomizu University, and Prof. Yoko Toya, Director, Institute for Gender Studies. The meeting resulted in aiming to strengthen the collaboration between AIT and Ochanomizu, especially for the Gender Development Program
President Yamamoto concluded his official journey with a cordial visit to Prof. Teruo Fujii, the esteemed President of The University of Tokyo. During this visit, they solidified their commitment to fostering academic partnerships, emphasizing an extension of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with AIT and exploring avenues for additional collaborations. Notably, they discussed the prospect of promoting knowledge exchange through young faculty secondments, which promises to further enrich the academic landscape with innovative ideas and insights. This visit marked a significant step towards advancing academic cooperation and knowledge sharing between the two prestigious institutions.
AIT President Kazuo Yamamoto’s visit to Japan was marked by productive engagements with various academic and governmental entities, furthering collaborations and fostering stronger relationships. These efforts have laid the groundwork for future projects and partnerships that are set to benefit both AIT and its Japanese counterparts.
