Cui Weilei, the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Niigata (third from right) met with Vice President Masahiro Yamaguchi (third from left)
On October 6, Cui Weilei, the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Niigata, visited Tohoku University and met with Prof. Masahiro Yamaguchi, Vice President for Education Reform and Global Engagement.
Vice President Yamaguchi welcomed Consul General Cui, who took office in September of this year, and told him that the university currently accepts more than 1,300 exchange students from China. He also mentioned that about 40% of students choose to study Chinese as a foreign language when they enter the university.
Consul General Cui noted that the famous Chinese writer Lu Xun studied at Tohoku University, and that he has great respect for the university’s contributions to the world. He also said that 2024 marks the 120th anniversary of Lu Xun’s arrival at Sendai Medical College, which became Tohoku University’s Medical Department. He proposed that this milestone presented both parties with an opportunity to collaborate and celebrate together.
Consul General Cui requested support for Chinese exchange students to live and study with peace of mind. Vice President Yamaguchi noted that at Tohoku University, faculty members provide interpretation for non-Japanese speakers at the Student Health Care Center and Counseling Office, creating an environment in which students can feel at ease when seeking advice. He added that he would like the university to continue to provide full support to students in cooperation with the consulate-general.
After meeting with Vice President Yamaguchi, the consul general and his party were given a tour of the university’s archives and Lu Xun Lecture Hall by Assoc. Prof. Satoshi Kato, special advisor to the president and head of the Tohoku University Archives, and they also enjoyed the opportunity to meet with Chinese students.
It is hoped that this visit will serve as an opportunity to further develop exchanges between Tohoku University and China.
Associate Professor Satoshi Kato (right) introduced materials at the Tohoku University Archives
A commemorative photograph was taken with the bust of Lu Xun
