University of Hyogo in Romania—Academic Exchanges and Cultural Diplomacy

In May 2026, a delegation from the University of Hyogo, led by President Makoto Kosaka and comprising Vice-President Ikuya Kano, Dean of the Graduate School of Social Sciences Takahide Yamaguchi, and Special Advisor to the President Carmen Tamas, visited Romania to participate in the signing ceremony of the Double Degree Master’s Program in International Business and Entrepreneurship.

As part of the visit, the delegation was welcomed to the National Bank of Romania at the invitation of Prof. Dr. Dan Costin Nitescu, Senior Advisor to the Governor. Discussions focused on economic developments, international cooperation, and opportunities for strengthening academic-industry engagement.

The delegation also met with long-standing partners at the “Ion Mincu” University of Architecture and Urban Planning, where they were received by Prof. Dr. Marian Moiceanu, President of the Academic Forum, and Prof. Dr. Alexandru Călin, Rector. The meetings explored prospects for expanding joint research activities and deepening institutional ties between the two universities.

Further engagements included a visit to the National University of Political Studies and Public Administration (SNSPA), where discussions were held with Prof. Dr. Remus Pricopie, Rector and former Minister of Education, and Prof. Dr. Crina Rădulescu, Vice-Rector and Coordinator of Erasmus Programs. The exchange focused on internationalization strategies, student mobility, and future academic cooperation.

The visit concluded with meetings at Romania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where President Kosaka and Mr. Andrei Luca, Director for Cultural and Science Diplomacy, exchanged views on enhancing educational and academic exchanges between Japan and Romania. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to fostering stronger bilateral ties through initiatives that promote research collaboration, student mobility, and intercultural understanding.