Opening Ceremony Held for Autumn 2026 Short-Term International Exchange Students
On September 25, 2026, Kumamoto University held an opening ceremony at the Center for International Education lounge for students enrolled in the Intensive Japanese Course, the Japanese Studies Program, and the Short-Term Exchange Program.
This semester, the university welcomed 53 international students from 14 countries and regions, including South Korea and Indonesia, who will study at Kumamoto University for a semester or a year.
At the ceremony, Vice President Yasue Takagi delivered welcoming remarks to the students. Referring to the Kumamoto earthquake that occurred in July, she expressed her appreciation to the students for choosing to study at Kumamoto University and encouraged them to make the most of their time here by gaining new knowledge and experiences and deepening their understanding of diverse cultures and values.
Following the opening ceremony, a special talk by an atomic bomb survivor was held for the first time as part of the orientation program. Mr. Seiichiro Mise shared his experience of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki when he was ten years old, reflecting on how that experience has shaped his life and perspective.
The talk was followed by an active Q&A session, giving the international students a valuable opportunity to reflect on peace and learn directly from living history.
Kumamoto University hopes this meaningful beginning will serve as a strong foundation for the students’ studies and lives in Kumamoto, inspiring them to broaden their perspectives and deepen their appreciation for peace and cultural diversity.
Welcome remarks by Vice President Yasue Takagi
Special talk by an atomic bomb survivor
International students trying a wartime protective posture during the atomic bomb survivor's lecture
