On June 2nd, 2026, we had the honor and pleasure to welcome to Shizuoka University, Hamamatsu Campus, the Ambassador of Romania in Japan, H.E. Dr. Ovidiu Alexandru Raețchi. On a first visit to the city, we had the opportunity to explore the long-lasting partnership between Shizuoka University and several institutions in Romania, in particular in Iași, such as Alexandru Ioan Cuza University (UAIC) or Iasi University of Life Sciences (IULS). Several meetings could be organized with key people in our University, with long connections to Romania.
At the Research Institute of Electronics, discussions with Prof. Toru Aoki (Director) and Prof. Yoshimasa Kawata (Vice-Director)
focused on the important positioning of RIE as a research collaboration hub, hosting many times partners from Romanian institutions, either as students or staff for training, Visiting Professors, or Honorary Guest Professors.
The Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Prof. Mitsuhiro Fukuta, gave an outline of this largest Faculty of Shizuoka University.
We discussed the high employment rate after graduation, shared ideas about English-based programs and the role of the Faculty in the many student and staff exchanges.
We also had the chance to meet Prof. Jun Kondoh, Dean of the Graduate School of Science and Technology, and Prof. Kazuhiko Hara, Dean of the Graduate School of Medical Photonics.
These platforms host PhD students, including Double Degree Program (DDP), support research collaborations and sustain the important Inter-Academia Community, with the next conference happening in early autumn in Iasi.
Several interactions took place also with students from our group, supported by Ms. Carmen Chimu (representative of the Japan Culture Center UAIC and currently an Erasmus exchange student at Shizuoka University) and Mr. Yuuki Alexandru Anahara (adviser and interpreter). There were many insights to take away from such interactions and we appreciate the support of the Embassy for various future programs that can bring even closer, through science, Romania and Japan.
Looking forward to the next visit to Hamamatsu by H.E. Ambassador Raețchi, to continue the exploration of the cultural, historical and administrative aspects of the city and any potential partnerships in Romania.