Courtesy Visit by Shandong University

On November 7, a delegation of seven members led by President Shucai Li of Shandong University (SDU) visited Kumamoto University (KU), where they held a courtesy meeting with President Hisao Ogawa, Executive Vice President Jun Otani, Vice President Mitsuyo Kishida, and several professors from various faculties. KU had previously signed an inter-department exchange agreement in 1997 and an inter-university exchange agreement in 2009 with SDU.

In his opening remarks, President Ogawa warmly welcomed the delegation, emphasizing the significance of the ongoing academic exchanges in engineering and medical sciences between the two institutions. He expressed high hopes for further deepening cooperation in the future. President Li, in turn, conveyed his pleasure at visiting KU, noting that it is the first Japanese university he has visited since assuming his role as president. He affirmed KU’s importance as a key partner for SDU and emphasized the potential for closer collaboration, especially in areas such as talent cultivation, joint research, technological innovation, and cultural heritage, given the geographic proximity and shared interests of Japan and China.

The meeting also included introductions to each university’s recent developments and updates on current academic exchanges, further enhancing mutual understanding and laying the groundwork for expanded cooperation.

Prior to the formal meeting, President Li and the delegation met with six SDU students currently studying at KU to discuss their academic experiences in Japan. The delegation also toured the Museum of the Faculty of Engineering, a site designated as a National Important Cultural Property, to gain insight into KU’s rich history and traditions.