June 16, 2023
Borys Grinchenko Kyiv University

On June 16, 2023, His Excellency Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Ukraine, Matsuda Kuninori, along with Minister Counsellor Mr. Iijima Yasumasa and First Secretary Mr. Ujihara Takaaki, visited Borys Grinchenko Kyiv University. Grinchenko University was represented by Vice-Rector, Head of the Committee for Reorganization, Oleksandr Turuntsev; Head of the Academic Council, Nataliia Vinnikova; Dean of the Faculty of Law and International Relations, Mykola Kulinich; and Dean of the Faculty of Oriental Languages, Ivan Semenist.

At the beginning of the meeting, His Excellency Mr. Matsuda Kuninori, along with representatives of the Embassy of Japan in Ukraine, visited the Victor Ogneviuk Art Gallery. There, they had the opportunity to explore the photo exhibition showcasing Japanese studies at Borys Grinchenko University and the visit of Mr. Daisaku Kadokawa, Mayor of Kyoto, Honorable Professor of the University.
Ostap Kovalchuk, Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts and Design, demonstrated thematic paintings created by the students.
During the official meeting, Oleksandr Turuntsev thanked the Ambassador for Japan's support of Ukraine and emphasized that Borys Grinchenko Kyiv University has a long-standing tradition of Japanese studies. Notably, the University has been teaching Japanese since 1997. Currently, Borys Grinchenko Kyiv University is one of the few Ukrainian universities providing Japanese studies at both the bachelor's and master's levels of education. Moreover, it is the only higher education institution in Ukraine that grants the professional qualification of 'Teacher of Japanese'.
Furthermore, the professors of the University have been honored with one of Japan's highest award, the Order of the Rising Sun, established by the Emperor of Japan. Mykola Kulinich received this award in 2016, and Volodymyr Rezanenko in 2017. Oleksandr Turuntsev highlighted that currently, over 120 students are studying Japanese at Borys Grinchenko Kyiv University and as of June 2023, 25 students from Grinchenko University are doing the internships at nine higher education institutions in Japan: both at partner universities, namely Toyo University, Ritsumeikan University, University of Yamanashi, Yamagata University, as well as other Japanese universities, such as Hiroshima University, Nagasaki University, Meiji University, Akita University, and Higashi Nippon International University.
Oleksandr Turuntsev highlighted that Borys Grinchenko Kyiv University is ready to become a platform and venue for a wide range of events on Japanese studies. The university remains committed to promoting the development of Ukrainian-Japanese relations and popularizing Japanese studies in Ukraine.
Within the talks between the University representatives and the delegation from the Embassy of Japan, led by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Ukraine Matsuda Kuninori, the significance of Borys Grinchenko Kyiv University's initiative to launch a new and unique interdisciplinary educational program in Ukraine was emphasized. The program aims to provide training for international specialists and diplomats with expertise in Japanese. Additionally, the importance of involving native speakers in teaching Japanese at Borys Grinchenko University and expanding cooperation were also noted.
An important part of the distinguished guests' visit to the University was opening of the Kyoto Auditorium, which will serve as the future Centre for Japanese Language and Culture. On the occasion of the opening, the Embassy of Japan in Ukraine presented Borys Grinchenko Kyiv University with textbooks, manuals, and other educational materials.
His Excellency Matsuda Kuninori also met with students of the University who are future specialists in Japanese studies, Journalism, International Relations, and Economics. Despite the meeting with students being held in the shelter of the academic building due to an air raid alert, the students had the opportunity to hear from the Ambassador about his vision of Ukrainian-Japanese relations and his diplomatic experience. They were given an opportunity to ask questions to the Head of the Diplomatic Mission of Japan to Ukraine, a country that stands in solidarity with the Ukrainian people during these difficult days of the armed aggression by the russian federation.
During the meeting with the students of Borys Grinchenko University, the Ambassador read an official letter from the Honorable Professor of the University, Mayor of Kyoto, Mr. Daisaku Kadokawa. The letter, addressed to Borys Grinchenko Kyiv University, conveyed congratulations on the opening of the Kyoto Auditorium. The meeting with the distinguished guests ended with taking a group photo. 

Letter from the Mayor of Kyoto (15 June 2023) 

Letter from the Mayor of Kyoto (15 June 2023) translation