A Group of Ukrainian Japanese Language Professionals Visits TUFS

August 20, 2026

On Monday, August 17, 2026, as part of the “Invitation Program for Ukrainian Japanese-Language Specialists” organized by the Japan Foundation, 24 teachers and students involved in Japanese language education in Ukraine—where the Russian military invasion continues—visited TUFS.
The day before, on Sunday, August 16, Associate Professor Toru Ishizawa, Specially Appointed Researcher Shinya Kobayashi, and 13 TUFS students participated in preliminary activities in Tokyo. Through interviews with TUFS students, exchange activities using a mystery-solving game, and free time spent exploring Tokyo in small groups, the participants quickly built a warm rapport. The campus visit on August 17 served as a wonderful opportunity to further strengthen these ties.
The event on August 17 began with a welcome address by Tomomi Otsu, Special Advisor to the President, who introduced the university’s support for Ukraine and its Japanese-language education programs. Next, Specially Appointed Associate Professor Nadiya Kobernyk expressed her appreciation on behalf of the delegation. Following this, Rie Ishida, International Student Advisor, provided an overview of the university and explained its admissions system.
Next, three teachers of Japanese from Ukraine gave presentations on the current state of Japanese language education at their respective universities and in their local communities. TUFS students studying Japanese language education and Ukrainian affairs listened intently to their talks.
Afterward, the participants divided into small groups for a campus tour and had lunch together at the university cafeteria, further fostering their friendship. When the delegation departed by bus, everyone bid a fond farewell to one another and promised to meet again, wrapping up the program in a remarkably warm and cheerful atmosphere.
It is hoped that this exchange will serve as a valuable first step toward building lasting friendly relations between the next generation of young people and the universities involved.

　 (This text was translated by AI.)