2025/11/20

From left: Prof. Konaka, Vice President Ichihashi, Ambassador Appleton Jr., President Sakai, First Secretary Smmon, Advisor Kato

On November 19, 2025, H.E. Mr. Edward Wade Appleton Jr., Ambassador of the Republic of Liberia to Japan, and Ms. Renaisa En Sumon, First Secretary, paid a courtesy call to Prof. Dr. Takafumi Sakai, President of Saitama University (SU).

The meeting was attended by Prof. Dr. Hideo Ichihashi, Vice President for International and Global Education, Prof. Tetsuo Konaka, Research Promotion Office, and Mr. Motoi Kato, Advisor and Fellow from SU. The conversation touched on the topic of a SU graduate currently serving as a United Nations Volunteer at the United Nations Office in the Republic of Liberia, and the discussion was conducted in a cordial and friendly atmosphere.

Ambassador Appleton Jr. outlined the challenging reality faced by the Republic of Liberia, where adequate educational environments cannot be provided for many motivated young learners. A request was made for concrete cooperation, including the development of joint educational programs, faculty and student exchanges, and scholarships through partnerships with leading universities in the country. SU will review and consider appropriate responses to these proposals.

Scene from the Meeting

SU presented a commemorative gift: Lacquered drum-shaped flower vase, a traditional Japanese craft.