President Yamagiwa hosts reception for international scholars (22 October 2015)

The Kyoto University Reception for International Academics, hosted by President Juichi Yamagiwa, was held at the International Conference Hall of the Clock Tower Centennial Hall on 22 October 2015. Initiated in 2000, these annual receptions are held in order to give an opportunity for exchanges between international scholars who are engaged in education and research at Kyoto University, and the university's executives and staff who are involved with international scholars, including the president, executive vice-presidents, deans, and directors. This year's event attracted more than 270 attendees from around 40 facilities, such as graduate schools, research institutions, and other KU organizations.

The reception, moderated by Professor Junichi Mori, Director-General of the Organization for Promotion of International Relations (OPIR), started off with opening remarks by President Yamagiwa. In his remarks, the President introduced six targets of the "WINDOW" Initiative, the university's guiding principle for the future formulated by the President and which he has been promoting since he took office. He also expressed his warm welcome and his hope that the event will provide valuable opportunities for attendees to interact outside of disciplinary constraints, which created a friendly atmosphere. Following a toast, attendees enjoyed talking with each other about their research activities and other topics. As a childcare room was provided this year, more scholars were accompanied by their spouses than in previous occasions. In the middle of the event, a KU student circle "CrazyClef" performed a cappella, which livened up the reception.

In a festive and joyous mood, the two-hour reception was brought to a close with an address by Director-General Mori.