Courtesy Visit by the Delegation from Dijon Métropole (France)
On November 22, 2024, a delegation from Dijon Métropole, led by the Deputy Mayor of Dijon responsible for Sister City Relations Ms. Lydie PFANDER-MENY and a council member of Dijon Métropole, paid a courtesy visit to Kumamoto University and met with President Hisao Ogawa.The meeting was attended by Executive Vice President Jun Otani, Professor Michel Sagaz from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, and Professor Ursula Helena Koike from Headquarters for Admissions and Education.
During the discussions, Deputy Mayor Lydie PFANDER-MENY highlighted the longstanding exchange between Kumamoto Prefecture and Dijon in the fields of agriculture and culinary culture. She also noted the signing of a memorandum of understanding last year between Dijon Métropole and Kumamoto Prefecture to promote international exchange. President Ogawa shared insights into Kumamoto University's collaborative activities with French universities and research institutions, expressing the university’s interest in establishing new partnerships with universities in Dijon, particularly through initiatives led by the International Research Center for Manga Studies and the International Research Center for Agricultural & Environmental Biology. As part of the exchange, Professor Sagaz presented and gifted his book, Learning French with Kumamon, to the delegation, symbolizing cultural and academic ties.
Following the meeting, the delegation visited the Memorial Museum of the Fifth High School and the Chemical Laboratory of the Fifth High School on Kumamoto University’s Kurokami Campus, both designated as National Important Cultural Properties.
This visit provided an excellent opportunity to deepen mutual understanding and strengthen ties between Kumamoto University and Dijon Métropole, fostering a foundation for future collaboration.
About Dijon Métropole
Dijon Métropole is an intercommunal organization comprising 23 municipalities centered around the city of Dijon, France.
Group Photo
Front Row, From Right: Deputy Mayor Pfander-Meny; Vice President Wegmann of Université de Bourgogne; President Nafti of École Nationale Supérieure d'Art et Design de Dijon (ENSAD Dijon). Far Right: President Ogawa
Discussion Highlights: Introduction of Kumamoto University
Discussion Highlights: Planning future initiatives
The Book Learning French with Kumamon
In Front of the Memorial Museum of the Fifth High School
Inside of the Chemical Laboratory of the Fifth High School