Japanese

On May 29, 2026, a delegation led by Richard N. Larsen, U.S. Consul General in Osaka-Kobe, paid a courtesy visit to Hiroshima University (HU) and met with Executive Vice President (Global Initiatives) Shinji Kaneko. During the meeting, they exchanged views on promoting academic and student exchanges between Japan and the United States, as well as strengthening collaboration among universities and research institutions in both countries.

Following the meeting, Consul General Larsen delivered a lecture at the University's Global Learning Center. Focusing on Japan–U.S. relations, he spoke about the importance of bilateral cooperation and shared perspectives on future opportunities for collaboration.

After the lecture, a question-and-answer session and an interactive discussion with students were held. Approximately 30 students, faculty members, and staff attended the event, listening attentively to the Consul General’s remarks and engaging in lively dialogue.
The visit and lecture were organized as part of the “America250 School Speaker Program,” an initiative commemorating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. Through this program, diplomats from the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Japan visit schools across the country to introduce American history and culture.

HU has actively promoted exchanges with the United States. To date, the University has welcomed approximately 300 American international students. In addition, in March 2026, HU held the unveiling ceremony for the University of Idaho Hiroshima Campus, which serves as the base for a bachelor’s degree program aimed at developing global talent in the semiconductor field.

It is expected that Consul General Larsen’s visit and lecture will further promote educational and research exchanges and strengthen collaboration between HU and institutions in the United States.