On Wednesday, January 29, 2025, two delegates from the Centre for Asian Studies at Vytautas Magnus University (VMU, Republic of Lithuania) and Professor INABA Chiharu from Meijo University (Aichi Prefecture) visited Gifu University. The two delegates were the Head of the Centre, Dr. Arvydas Kumpis and a specialist, Ms. Simona Kumpė. President YOSHIDA Kazuhiro, Vice President Lim Lee Wah (Global Outreach and Engagement), GU-GLOCAL Executive Director KOYAMA Hiroyuki, and Ms. NONOMURA Haruko, Director of Student Affairs Department welcomed the three and exchanged views on the history of academic and cultural exchanges between the two universities and future prospects. Gifu University and VMU signed an interuniversity agreement in 2012.
In particular, they discussed deepening student and researcher exchanges, strengthening mutual cooperation, and addressing current challenges, such as differences in summer vacation periods and difficulties in financial support for student exchanges.
Following this, a lecture titled 'Weaving the Bonds between Lithuania and Gifu' was held on campus from 14:00 to 16:00. A total of 29 participants attended, including nine Gifu University students, 14 faculty and staff members, and six general attendees.
Lecture Schedule
14:05 － Explanation of the purpose of the lecture
14:10 － 'Relations between Japan and Lithuania'
Speaker: Ms. Simona Kumpė
14:35 － 'Public events to commemorate Chiune Sugihara in Lithuania'
Speaker: Dr. Arvydas Kumpis
15:10 － 'Sugihara alone could not save the refugees － Lithuania's contribution'
Speaker: Professor Inaba (Faculty of Urban Science, Meijo University)
15:35 － Networking session
The lecture 'Weaving the Bonds between Lithuania and Gifu' focused on the relationship between Lithuania and Japan, as well as Chiune Sugihara¹⁾. Ms. Kumpė introduced the history of exchanges between Lithuania and Japan, starting with the Bunkyu mission to Europe²⁾. Dr. Kumpis presented recent events held in Lithuania to commemorate Chiune Sugihara's achievements, such as 'Sugihara Week' and 'Japan Days.' Additionally, Professor Inaba gave a lecture on the latest research findings, highlighting the significant humanitarian support provided by the people of Lithuania behind Sugihara's 'Visas for Life' that aided Jewish refugees.
After the lecture, participants had the opportunity to taste Lithuanian herbal tea while engaging in candid discussions with the speakers. This lecture was a valuable opportunity not only to learn about the relationship between Japan and Lithuania but also to reflect on the importance of act of humanity.
Through this visit and lecture, it is expected that the exchange between the two universities will be further promoted. Gifu University will continue to deepen international cooperation through student and researcher exchanges.
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1) SUGIHARA Chiune (1900－1986) was a Japanese diplomat who was born in Gifu and served as vice-consul for the Japanese Empire in Kaunas, Lithuania. During the Second World War, Sugihara helped thousands of Jews flee Europe by issuing transit visas to them so that they could travel through Japanese territory, risking his job and the lives of his family.
2) The Bunkyu Mission to Europe was a Japanese diplomatic mission sent to Europe in 1862 during the Bunkyu (1861－1864). It aimed to learn about Western technologies and cultures to help modernize Japan.
Dr. Kumpis (left) and Ms. Kumpė
Commemorative photo after the meeting
Lecture by Dr. Kumpi
