Reception for International Academics (27 November 2018)

On 27 November 2018, a reception party for Kyoto University's international visiting scholars, hosted by President Juichi Yamgiwa, took place at the Clock Tower Centennial Hall. The event is held annually to promote networking, friendship, and a sense of community among the institution's international researchers and academic staff, as well as with their Japanese colleagues. Guests include deans and directors of various departments, and the University's executive officers. This year's attendance totaled approximately 300, and represented over forty countries and regions.

With Professor Yukari Mitsuhashi, vice-director of the International Strategy Office, serving as the mistress of ceremonies, the reception opened with a greeting from President Yamagiwa, who spoke of the University's ongoing efforts to internationalize its research, including hosting international scholars and sending its researchers overseas. He emphasized the importance of scholars from around the world bringing their own unique knowledge and experiences to collaborative research to address global-scale issues, while working towards Kyoto University's fundamental goal of harmonious coexistence within the world's human and ecological community.

The president's speech was followed by a short overview of the International Strategy Office, presented by Professor Yasuyuki Kono, the office's director and the University's vice-president for international strategy. After describing the ways in which the office drives internationalization efforts at the University, Professor Kono proposed a toast to commence the reception, where the guests enjoyed the buffet and beverages in a relaxed atmosphere while getting to know each other.

This year saw a particularly large number of international scholars attending with their families, many of them making use of the nursery room and children's area provided at the venue. Prayer rooms were also available for the 2018 reception to make it friendly to all of the culturally diverse guests.

The program featured a performance by Saikyo Zensen, one of the University's student dance clubs. Their performance inspired some of the more enthusiastic guests to start dancing themselves.

After the party the guests were asked to fill out a comment form, intended to help the staff in charge prepare for next year’s reception. Staff were happy to read about guests and their families having a great time together, and researchers enjoying the opportunity to get to know their colleagues at Kyoto University.