Strengthening academic links with Japan

External Affairs Secretary Fiona Hyslop welcomed plans to strengthen international collaboration between universities in Scotland and Japan in Nagasaki today.

Nagasaki University confirmed their intention to extend their existing collaborations with a number of Scottish universities, to include the area of humanities.

Ms Hyslop held a seminar with humanities students at Nagasaki University, where they discussed the importance of international collaboration.

The seminar followed a meeting with university Vice President Mr Shunichi Yamashita and Professor Ikuo Yamomoto. Mr Yamomoto was instrumental in setting up partnerships with Heriot Watt University, University of Edinburgh and the University of Stirling. Nagasaki University also has partnerships with University of Aberdeen and University of Highlands and Islands. Existing partnerships include subjects such as marine energy, aquaculture, marine biology and English language exchanges.

Ms Hyslop said:

“Scotland is well-known in Nagasaki, dating back to Scottish merchant Thomas Glover’s influence in 19^th century. Today, a marine renewables incubator housing Japanese and Scottish companies and consultants, is named Scotland House. This fond relationship shows no sign of waning.

“Nagasaki University has an impressive array of partnerships with Scottish universities ­– mostly in renewables and marine resources – and today we discussed building upon these to include humanities. As strong historical and cultural ties already link the Nagasaki prefecture with Scotland, this will be an excellent opportunity to further deepen our understanding of each other’s languages and culture.

“We’re determined to maintain Scotland’s reputation as an outward looking society – and this includes retaining the international outlook the links we enjoy through our universities.

“It is my understanding that the Japanese government wishes to further internationalise their universities, so this dialogue could not be happening at a more opportune time.”

This follows Wednesday’s Memorandum of Understanding signing between the University of Stirling and Tokyo Geriatric Hospital and Institute of Gerontology, which the Cabinet Secretary witnessed in Tokyo. Both organisations have committed to a long-term partnership on the development of dementia and age-friendly communities.

Background

Japan-Scotland Society Scholarship

Two scholarships are available each year to assist Japanese students of any speciality undertaking a masters at a Scottish university. The award was established in 2009 by the Japan Scotland Society to commemorate the founder, Mr Takahashi Yoshiteru, and long-time donor and supporter of the society, Mr James T Howat.

Notable alumni

University of Edinburgh – notable alumni include His Excellency Mr Yukio Satoh, President of the Japan Institute of International Affairs and former Japanese Ambassador to the United Nations, and Princess Tsuguko of Takamado, daughter of Prince and Princess Takamado

University of Glasgow – notable alumni include Aikitu Tanakadate who founded the Institute of Seismology in Tokyo University and Masataka Taketsuru, who studied organic chemistry in the summer of 1919. He married Rita Cowan, from Kirkintilloch, before returning to Japan to become the founder of the Nikka Whisky Distilling Company.

The visit to Nagasaki University took place as part of a programme of activity delivered by Scottish Development International (SDI) and the Scottish Government.

Ms Hyslop’s programme of engagements ran from 13 February in Tokyo, culminating today, 17 February, at Nagasaki.