On November 15, 2019, President Mitsuo Ochi and Executive Vice President Toshiyuki Sato visited Sonoma State University in USA. President Ochi and Sonoma State University President Judy K. Sakaki signed the Memorandum of Understanding between the two universities. 

Mr. Shigehiro Komaru, Chief Director of The Komaru-Koutsu Foundation and Mr. Fred Biagi, President of Biagi Bros. Inc., a company based in Sonoma county, USA also attended this meeting. Hiroshima University, Sonoma State University, The Komaru-Koutsu Foundation and Biagi Bros. Inc. signed the letter of Intent on academia-industry collaboration.

The two universities will promote academic and educational exchange and look forward to the successful academia-industry collaboration with The Komaru-Koutsu Foundation and Biagi Bros. Inc.