On June 2, 2026, Tohoku University and the Embassy of Belgium in Japan co-hosted ‘Belgium Day‘, an event celebrating the 160th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Belgium. His Excellency Antoine Evrard, Ambassador of Belgium to Japan and other officials, were in attendance on the day.
The event was a great success, with many students stopping by the ‘Belgium Booth’ that was set up on the Kawauchi Campus, where they picked up study abroad materials and Belgian waffles provided by the Embassy of Belgium in Japan.
Opening remarks for the evening’s lecture session were delivered by Ambassador Evrard. This year, he noted, marks the memorable 160th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity, Commerce, and Navigation of 1866, and expressed his pleasure to share this milestone with young people who will lead the next generation. He also introduced the close ties between the two countries, not only in academic exchange but also in economic relations (with trade amounting to 2 trillion yen annually), and as political partners who share fundamental values. He concluded his remarks by encouraging the students in the audience to study abroad and visit.
Lectures on Belgium’s science and technology policy and on the history of exchange between the two countries followed. Approximately 80 students, faculty, and staff attended the lectures. The networking session at the end of the program proved to be a great opportunity for friendly and lively exchange, with participants actively engaging with Belgian Embassy officials including Ambassador Evrard.
This event is expected to further deepen cooperative relations and student exchange between Tohoku University and Belgian institutions.
- Program Overview (selected highlights)
• Opening Remarks (H.E. Mr. Antoine Evrard, Ambassador of Belgium to Japan)
• Lecture 1 (Mr. Olivier Douhéret, Head of the Scientific and Academic Department, Wallonia-Brussels International (WBI), French Community of Belgium / Embassy of Belgium): ‘Science policy and funding in Belgium and opportunities for collaborative research’
• Lecture 2: (Prof. Toshiya Ueki, Executive Vice President, Tohoku University): ‘160 Years of Japan and Belgium: The Unknown History of Exchange’
• Screening of a Short Video ‘Introducing Belgium’ (Mr. Eduard van Kleunen, Deputy Head of Mission & Minister Counsellor)
• Networking Session
Ambassador Evrard delivering opening remarks
Mr. Douhéret (Head of the Scientific and Academic Department, Wallonia-Brussels International (WBI), French Community of Belgium / Embassy of Belgium) delivering Lecture 1: ‘Science policy and funding in Belgium and opportunities for collaborative research’
EVP Ueki delivering Lecture 2: ‘160 Years of Japan and Belgium: The Unknown History of Exchange’
Deputy Head of Mission & Minister Counsellor Eduard van Kleunen introducing Belgium
Lecture session
For more details, please visit our Global Site.
Contact:
Global Strategy Office
TEL: 022-217-6311
Email: kokusai-c*grp.tohoku.ac.jp (please replace * with @)