The ASC's African Student Exchange Gathering will be held this year on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, from 17:40 at Agora Global (1st floor).
Please note that the event will be held in person only; a hybrid format will not be available.
ASC-TUFS is pleased to announce the annual social gathering to foster friendship between the Japanese public(including TUFS students and staff) and African students.
This event is also organized to provide an opportunity for Mr. Bertin (Protestant University of Rwanda), who is studying at TUFS as an exchange student for ten months starting this fall semester, to connect with our supporters, support companies, TUFS students, and faculty/staff members.
We warmly welcome anyone interested to join us.
Social Gathering with African Students 2026
◆ Participation Fee：500 yen (or more, if you wish).
Please pay at the reception desk on the day of the event. (No change)
The participation fee will be donated directly to the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies Fund.
◆ Dress Code：None.
African‑fabric clothing or accessories are welcome (optional). Halloween‑themed items are also welcome.
◆ Tentative Program ーーーーーーー
- 17:40-17:45 Opening Remarks (Prof. Takeuchi, TUFS)
- 17:45-17:55 Introduction of the exchange student and participating graduate students
- 17:55-18:05 Introduction and greetings from supporters
- 18:05-18:20 Icebreaker
- 18:20-19:00 Photo session (toast & informal conversation)
- 19:00-19:20 Icebreaker
- 20:00 Closing Remarks (Prof. Sasaki, PUR)
ーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーー
◆ How to Register: Please use the link below.
https://forms.gle/X2G4DcLUrhigMmKG8
・Advance registration deadline: October 9 (Fri)Noon
QR code:
If you wish to participate, please make sure to register, as we need the information to prepare light refreshments.
Report
A total of 56 participants attended the networking reception held on October 27, including supporters, students, and guests from supporting companies.
The reception provided an opportunity to welcome a newly arrived exchange student Mr.Bertin and African students who have recently begun their graduate studies at TUFS. Graduate students from the PCS program at Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, along with other TUFS students, joined the gathering, making it a meaningful and enjoyable occasion for exchange and interaction.
Among the participants was Mupelwa, who first came to Japan as an exchange student in the 2024 academic year and has since returned to pursue graduate studies at TUFS. We were also delighted to welcome Julia, who studied at TUFS as an exchange student in 2023 and is now enrolled in a graduate program at a Japanese university. Seeing former exchange students continue their academic journeys in Japan while remaining connected to the TUFS community was particularly encouraging.
We were also pleased to be joined by representatives from our corporate donors, Takaoka Engineering Co., Ltd. and Toyota Tsusho (CFAO).
Through the continued support and interest of so many individuals and organizations, we were once again reminded that awareness of TUFS's exchange programs and the activities of the African Studies Center continues to expand both within and beyond the university community.
In addition, Professor Sasaki and his wife from Protestant University of Rwanda (PUR) attended the reception during their visit to Japan. Despite their demanding schedule, which required them to depart by Shinkansen immediately after the event, they took the time to join us. For the students from PUR, the occasion provided a valuable opportunity to reunite with their former mentor, making it a particularly memorable and meaningful experience.
The event was organized primarily by a team of volunteer students, who served as masters of ceremonies and arranged icebreaking activities, including a quiz. Their efforts contributed greatly to the warm and welcoming atmosphere throughout the evening.
Although the gathering passed all too quickly, we hope that everyone who attended enjoyed the opportunity to meet, reconnect, and engage with one another. We would also like to express our sincere gratitude to those who generously made donations at the reception desk on the day of the event.
We hope that exchanges between members of the university community and students from Africa will continue to deepen, fostering lasting connections on both a personal and institutional level.
Thank you once again to everyone who participated and supported this event. We sincerely appreciate your continued encouragement and support of the Center's activities.
