His Excellency Otaka Masato Japanese ambassador has made an official visit to Pécs on June 22. He was welcomed in the Rector’s Conference Room by dr. Attila Miseta rector, dr. Miklós Nyitrai, dean of the Medical School and dr. István Tarrósy, the head of the International Directorate. During the nearly hour-long discussion, the local Japanese students, Japanese educator exchanges, Japanese language education and cultural relationships were the main topics from the viewpoint of development possibilities.
“Keio University, Josai International University, Akita International University, Nagoya City University, Sophia University and Doshisha University are highly acclaimed partners of us. The Japanese students are mostly at the Medical School, but more and more are choosing the Faculty of Humanities, The Faculty of Music and Visual Arts, the Faculty of Engineering” – said István Taróssy at the meeting according to the report of UnivPécs.com.
Attila Miseta rector noted, that the University of Pécs also has a good relationship with the Tokyo and Saitama universities. He also mentioned the 136 Japanese university students here, who are among the best according to him. “They are well-educated, dedicated and diligent students” – he said- The rector reminisced about his own visit to the Tokyo University, where he was lucky enough to participate in their 100-jubilee celebration. “We are very proud that the Tokyo ambassador of Hungary, dr. Norbert Palanovics is a Pécs alumni; he completed his studies at the Faculty of Business and Economics” – he highlighted.
His Excellency Otaka Masato explained that when one first steps into the Hungarian embassy in Tokyo, the first thing they see is the view of Pécs; therefore, he was excited to visit the city in person. He was interested in the local Japanese students and the available Japanese language events, the possibilities of cultural and musical cooperation. The educational value of culture was also mentioned among with Japanese gardens and gastronomy.
“I am grateful that I could get to know Pécs during my short visit and I believe that it must be a joy to study in such a beautiful city”- quoted the ambassador the UnivPécs.com.
“As the next step of nurturing and developing the Japanese-Hungarian relationship, they will focus on attracting Japanese educators to Hungary, where they would teach a semester or two at the UP” – described the plans dr. István Tarrósy, after which he introduced the international activities of the university. “We are happy that we have 4600 international students studying various subjects here. They can choose over a hundred foreign language programs” – he said. The professor proudly talked about the international programs and the diversity of students, highlighting the International Seasons event series aimed at city and university citizens as well. The events provided multiple opportunities to get to know the exciting aspects of Japanese culture, like the writing system and the art of tea.
“The deep respect for the cultural and historical background of the Japanese is the foundation of our relationship, among with the incredibly high level of scientific cooperation. The Japanese students of the almost forty years old English language medical program are very motivated and perform well” – emphasized dr. Miklós Nyitrai, the dean of the Medical School. The ambassador’s delegation then visited the new campus of the Medical School, and met some of the Japanese medical students.
In the afternoon, the ambassador opened the “Lüszterlepkék és mázmadarak” (Luster butterflies and glaze birds)exhibition in the Janus Pannonius Museum’s Zsolnay Museum. The exhibition provides an insight into the Japanese collection and the Zsolnay-Japonism of the museum. The unique exhibition will be open between June 23 and October 2. Visiting on June 25 will be especially interesting, when the exhibition will include a guided tour to commemorate the Night of Museums.
Source:
UnivPécs.com
Photos:
Szabolcs Csortos