Experiencing Japanese Studies in Practice: HSE University Strengthens Cooperation with Japanese Universities
In December, a delegation from HSE University, led by Rector Nikita Anisimov, visited Japan to strengthen educational and scientific cooperation. Representatives from HSE University met with the leaders of prominent institutions in Russian studies, including Tokai University, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, Hosei University, and Keio University. The visit, initiated at the invitation of the Japanese Ambassador to Russia, marked the first official visit by a delegation from a Russian university to Japan since 2022.
During meetings with their Japanese counterparts, representatives from HSE University discussed opportunities for collaboration in academic exchanges, research, and online education programmes for Japanese students at HSE University. Nikita Anisimov emphasised that universities are centres for creating the future, making it essential to sustain and strengthen their collaboration. 'Russia and Japan share a rich history of scientific, educational, and cultural collaboration. For example, nearly 500 students study Japanese at HSE University, which also hosts Japanese students and employs Japanese teachers,' he said.
Diana Khor, Vice President and incoming President of Hosei University (set to take office in May 2025), highly praised HSE University’s approach to online learning and commended the high level of language proficiency among its researchers. She also highlighted the interest of Japanese students and faculty in collaborating on joint papers and conference presentations, particularly in the fields of culture and art.
Kayoko Hayashi
Kayoko Hayashi, President of Tokyo University of Foreign Studies (TUFS), remarked that TUFS is Japan's oldest institution with a focus on Russian studies. Currently, around 300 people at the university are studying Russian, and there is ongoing interest in internships in Russia. The parties agreed to participate in HSE University's International Academic Cooperation Competition, which focuses on fostering international research collaborations and establishing joint laboratories.
Nikita Anisimov also met with Kiyoshi Yamada, Professor and Member of the Board of Trustees of the Tokai University Educational System (the HSE Rector holds Honorary Doctorate in Natural Sciences from Tokai University), during which the educational and research opportunities offered by HSE University were presented. Professor Yamada noted that the two universities have a longstanding and strong relationship, and Tokai University is open to discussing potential formats for collaboration.
Toyohisa Kozuki
Toyohisa Kozuki, Professor at Tokai University and former Japanese Ambassador to the Russian Federation, positively assessed the efforts to strengthen ties between the universities. 'The door for academic cooperation between Japan and Russia remains ajar, and joint activities in this area, especially student exchanges, are welcomed despite a number of restrictions,' Toyohisa Kozuki said.
Tokai University also hosted a meeting with HSE students participating in mobility programmes at various universities across Japan. This semester, 25 students in Asian Studies and Economics are completing internships here. During the meeting, they discussed the specifics of studying and living in Japan. 'It is appealing that HSE University offers excellent opportunities for internships in the country where the studied language is spoken. This is my second internship in Japan. Before coming to Tokai University, I studied at Nagoya College of Foreign Languages. I am grateful to my teachers at HSE University and Tokai University for providing me with the opportunity to experience Japanese studies in practice,' said Alexandra Repina, a fifth-year student of the Asian and African Studies programme.
Maria Kiseleva
Following the trip to Japan, HSE University in St Petersburg will develop an online course on the History and Culture of Russia, to be taught in both Russian and Japanese, for students at its Japanese partner universities. The estimated duration of the course will be between two weeks and a month, and it is expected to launch in 2025, according to Maria Kiseleva, Head of the International Office at HSE in St Petersburg . She mentioned that online schools in the Russian language and culture for Japanese students may also be offered. In addition, HSE researchers from Moscow and St Petersburg are expected to determine the focus of their scientific work in order to apply jointly with Japanese partners for a competition of collaborative basic research projects.
In November 2024, representatives from HSE University made a working visit to Japan, during which they visited eight universities and organisations in Tokyo and Kyoto. Following the trip, an online Japanese language seminar was launched at the Department of Japanese Studies of HSE University in St Petersburg, in collaboration with Sofia University and Nagoya College of Foreign Languages.
Ksenia Shevtsova
'HSE University is committed to ensuring equal student exchange, and we are prepared to collaborate with the Japanese Embassy in Russia and interested partner universities to explore opportunities for Japanese students to participate in internships and projects at HSE University under the current circumstances. One such project could be the International Study Tour Experience, according to Ksenia Shevtsova, Head of the International Partnerships Office.