13–26 January 2026
Borys Grinchenko Kyiv Metropolitan University

From 13 to 26 January 2026, Kostiantyn Komisarov, Head of the Department of Japanese Language and Translation at the Faculty of Oriental Languages, was on a working visit to Japan, during which he visited Toyo University (Tokyo, Japan) – a partner institution of Borys Grinchenko Kyiv Metropolitan University.

Kostiantyn Komisarov addressed the Supervisory  Board of Toyo University, emphasising that despite the challenging situation in Ukraine, students of our University continue to study the Japanese language and culture with dedication and perseverance.

During his meeting with the University’s administration, Kostiantyn Komisarov expressed his gratitude for the support provided and discussed prospects for further cooperation between Grinchenko University and Toyo University. As a result of the negotiations, agreements were reached to extend the Memorandum of Understanding and the Academic Mobility Agreement. The President of Toyo University, Etsuko Yaguchi, once again confirmed her interest in long-term cooperation with Grinchenko University in the areas of specialist training and joint research initiatives.

During the meeting with the university administration, Kostiantyn Yuriyovych expressed his gratitude for the support provided and discussed the prospects for further cooperation between Grinchenko University and Toyo University. As a result of the negotiations, agreements were reached on the extension of the Memorandum of Understanding and the Academic Mobility Agreement. The Rector of Toyo University, Etsuko Yaguchi, once again confirmed her interest in long-term cooperation with Grinchenko University in the context of training specialists and conducting joint scientific research.

In addition, Kostiantyn Komisarov held working meetings with faculty members of Toyo University, where discussions focused on innovative teaching methodologies, current trends in publishing educational materials and priority research areas. We would like to express our special gratitude to Ichiro Numata, Dean of the Faculty of Philology and Professor Nami Hirahata, on whose initiative the establishment of partnership relations between our universities was initiated.

Kostiantyn Komisarov also delivered an open lecture for students of Toyo University devoted to Ukrainian culture and society, the specifics of studying the Japanese language in Ukraine, and the attractiveness of Japan from the Ukrainian perspective. In their feedback, Japanese students highlighted the shared experiences of Japan and Ukraine in confronting external threats, emphasising that language and culture form the foundation of a nation, and noting the deep connection between our peoples through a common aspiration for freedom and peace.

This visit marked an important step in strengthening international cooperation and further developing partnerships for our University.