On January 31, 2025, the Japan-Brazil University Rectors’ Summit was held at the University of São Paulo in Brazil, and in attendance was Prof. Yoichiro Tanaka, Special Advisor to the President for Global Co-Creation. This summit was held as one of a number of events commemorating the 130th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Brazil and Japan. The event was co-hosted by the University of São Paulo and the University of Tsukuba, and approximately 60 representatives from 10 Japanese universities, 11 Brazilian universities, and government-related organizations from both countries took part.
Five panel discussions were held on research collaboration and student exchange under a general theme of examining the role of Japanese and Brazilian universities in addressing global issues. Prof. Tanaka participated in the discussions on ‘Cyber Security and AI’ and ‘Student Exchange and Learning Languages’, where he introduced Tohoku University’s policies and the current situation at the university regarding approaches to student exchange and the establishment of cybersecurity from the point of view of conducting joint research. At the end of the conference, the results of each panel discussion were summarized, and a joint declaration was announced on collaboration between Brazil and Japanese universities. It includes resolutions on academic collaboration and student exchange, joint contributions to addressing global challenges, and the building of sustainable partnerships.
On the day before the conference, the Consulate-General of Japan at São Paulo hosted a reception. Aside from the Japanese Ambassador to Brazil and the Consulate-General of Japan in São Paulo, the attendees included representatives from the universities participating in the conference, Brazilian government agencies, and other Japanese organizations, and the participants enjoyed lively discussions.
