Report: International Alumni Homecoming Day in Kagoshima 2025 was held

[26.01.15]

On December 20, Kagoshima University International Alumni Homecoming Day in Kagoshima 2025 was held at the Student Community Plaza. This was the first time the event had been organized at Kagoshima University, and it aims to strengthen ties with former international students who have completed their studies, former faculty and staff, and Kagoshima University Network Ambassadors. On the day, 114 former international students, Network Ambassadors, and corporate guests from more than 30 countries and regions attended and deepened their exchanges with Kagoshima University's emeritus professors, faculty and staff.

The event was divided into two parts in a hybrid format, with Part I (the ceremony) and Part II (the networking session) conducted both in person and online (in person: 51 participants from 21 countries; online: 63 participants from over 21 countries). Kagoshima University students were responsible throughout for operations such as moderating and guiding participants.

Part I began with an opening address by President IDO Akio, followed by congratulatory remarks from Mr. IWASAKI Yoshitaro, Chairman of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce & Industry in Kagoshima Prefecture (a donor to the Kagoshima University "Spirit of Enterprise" Supporting Fund). Vice President KORIYAMA Chihaya (in charge of international affairs) then outlined the university's internationalization efforts, after which three international students gave academic and research presentations. It was impressive to see participants listening attentively while fondly recalling their own study-abroad days at Kagoshima.

It was also announced that Kagoshima University's first Country-Specific Overseas Alumni Associations, the China Alumni Association and the Indonesia Alumni Association, had been established, and President IDO presented each association with a certificate of establishment.

In addition, Mr. Chea SOVANNARITH, speaking on behalf of the alumni, shared his study-abroad experience at Kagoshima University and his current work at a company in Kagoshima.

Finally, Vice President KORIYAMA delivered closing remarks, bringing Part I to an end.

Part II, the networking session, opened with remarks by Executive Director and Vice-President for Education YUKURA Miyuki, followed by a toast led by Executive Director and Vice-President for General Affairs HASHIMOTO Fumio. Participants then enjoyed free conversation in a relaxed atmosphere over light refreshments.

In the middle of the session, cultural presentations from various countries were given: a dance performance by students from India and Sri Lanka, a vocal performance by a student from the Philippines, and a performance on the traditional Indonesian instrument angklung by students from Indonesia. In particular, during the angklung performance, it was introduced that Indonesian students from Kagoshima University and local residents have been practicing and performing together as a group for many years, and participants listened with great interest.

The event was also streamed online, allowing viewers to enjoy two-way interaction, including conversations with in-person participants.

At the close, Professor REHMAN Hafiz, a former international student of Kagoshima University who now serves as a faculty member and advisor for international students, gave remarks, and Part II concluded.

Many participants expressed their satisfaction, and the event provided an opportunity to reconnect with friends and faculty and staff.

Kagoshima University will continue to expand Country-Specific Overseas Alumni Associations and to strengthen networks among former international students by organizing overseas versions of Homecoming Day and other initiatives.

<IDO Akio President, delivering opening remarks>

<Mr. IWASAKI Yoshitaro, Chairman of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry in Kagoshima Prefecture, delivering a congratulatory address>

<KORIYAMA Chihaya, Vice President (International Affairs) giving an overview of the university's internationalization efforts>

<Academic and research presentations by international students of Kagoshima University>

<Left: Commemorative photo after the presentation of certificates for the establishment of Country-Specific Overseas Alumni Associations. Right: Presentations by alumni>

<Commemorative photo with university representatives, distinguished guests, and academic and research presenters>

<Group photo at the social gathering>

<Scenes of interactive exchange with online participants>

<Dance performance by students from India and Sri Lanka>

<Singing performance by students from the Philippines>

<Left: Angklung performance by students from Indonesia. Right: Choral performance by students from Indonesia>