On February 10, 2020, HU held an international student exchange meeting that gathered around 100 international students and faculty at the Fukuyama-Tsuun-Komaru Nigiwai Pavilion. The objective of this event was to cheer the international students who are worried about the spread of the new coronavirus.

President Ochi opened the meeting by expressing his concern towards the safety of international students. "Due to the new coronavirus, some students saw delays in the date of return to their home countries and others have been unable to return to Japan because of the high-security measures. We are also worried about the damage to the reputation of people from China. This meeting was held to cheer everyone in such a difficult situation.", said President Ochi. He also stressed the importance of daily checking each person's physical condition and taking the necessary actions to prevent the spread of the virus: coughing etiquette and handwashing habits.

On the other hand, Mr. Kazuyuki Katayama, Assistant Minister and Director-General of Foreign Service Training Institute, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, who gave a lecture on campus on that day, gave a few words to cheer up the international students and then gave a toast.

During the meeting, Associate Professor Toru Hiyama of the Health Service Center explained the proper way to handwash, as participants deepened their understanding of infectious disease prevention measures.