The Japan Culture Center of Alexandru Ioan Cuza University Iași (JCC-UAIC), coordinated by Dr. Yusuke Sumi and an enthusiastic team of local volunteers, students and staff, is approaching soon one year of its existence. Thanks to the Inter-Academia Conference, it was a pleasure for me to have an opportunity to witness a nice ceremony for a book donation event at JCC-UAIC, mediated by H.E. Mr. Takashi Katae, the Ambassador of Japan to Romania, with a nice speech and support provided by the Rector of UAIC, Prof. Liviu-George Maha.
It was even more exceptional that such an event was also attended by the President of Shizuoka University, Prof. Kazuyuki Hizume, the Vice-President for International Strategy, Prof. Koichiro Awai and other members of a strong delegation from Shizuoka University, supported by Prof. Ionuț Topală (Dean Faculty of Physics and General Chair of the Inter-Academia Conference).
Besides this event, a group of people interested in Japanese language and culture were able to attend a wonderful workshop sustained by Prof. Mari Hakamata from Shizuoka University. This interaction opened many more ideas for cooperation and consulting for the growing interest that Japanese language and culture receive in Iasi nowadays. Many thanks also to former Erasmus students who helped with the logistics.
The Center had its opening in October 2025, with attendance by Rector Maha and HE Ambassador Katae, with a short speech given online also by Daniel Moraru. It was impressive to see how much traction the Center has after less than one year of existence. The support of the leadership of two strategic partner Universities and of the Embassies is certainly highly appreciated.