Kumamoto University Hosts Mansfield Café
On January 10, 2026, Kumamoto University hosted the Mansfield Café at the Kumamoto City International Center as part of its collaborative program with the Mansfield Foundation.The event welcomed 13 participants and featured two special guests: Mr. Mark Jamias and Mr. Robert Everman, both current U.S. federal government officials who are serving as fellows in the 29th Mansfield Fellowship Program in Japan.
At the beginning of the event, Mr. Jamias and Mr. Everman gave brief self-introductions and spoke about their professional backgrounds, as well as their experiences of training at Japanese ministries and agencies during their stay in Japan.
The participants were then divided into two tables for small-group talk sessions. At each table, lively conversations took place on a wide range of topics, including their work and professional fulfillment in the United States, career paths, places they had visited during their stay in Japan, hobbies such as collecting Goshuin (temple and shrine stamps), and family life.
Participants shared positive feedback, commenting, “I was nervous about speaking in English at first, but the guests were very approachable, and I’m glad I joined,” and “It was a valuable experience to hear stories that we normally wouldn’t have the chance to learn about.”
Held in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere with drinks in hand, the event provided participants with a meaningful opportunity to feel connected to the world while remaining in Kumamoto.
Kumamoto University plans to continue hosting the Mansfield Café on a regular basis in cooperation with the Mansfield Foundation. The next session is scheduled for January 24, 2026. Further details will be announced on the university’s website and official Instagram. As this will be the final session of the academic year, we encourage those who are interested to apply.
In addition, the Kumamoto-Mansfield Lecture Series (https://www.kumamoto-u.ac.jp/kokusaikouryuu/whatsnew/ku-mansfield2025) is held nearly every Friday in a hybrid format (in person and online) through February 6, 2026. You are welcome to attend even a single session, and students, faculty, staff, and community members are all welcome.
 Guests Introducing Themselves |
 Interaction with Participants |
 Interaction with Participants |
 A Commemorative Photo in Front of the Statue of Kato Kiyomasa |