Topics

On March 23, 2026, a delegation from National Pingtung University (NPTU), Taiwan, visited the Matsumoto Campus of Shinshu University.

NPTU is a national university located in Pingtung County in southern Taiwan. It traces its origins to the Pingtung Normal School under the Japanese Government-General of Taiwan and the National Pingtung Institute of Commerce. Today, it has developed into a comprehensive university with three campuses and seven faculties, serving as a core institution for education and research in the region. Although there had been prior exchanges among faculty members, NPTU’s participation in the Taiwan–Japan Alliance of Local Revitalization and Social Practice (TJ Alliance) in September 2025 led to the conclusion of an inter-university academic exchange agreement in November 2025.

The purpose of this visit was to pay a courtesy call on President Nakamura, tour facilities on the Matsumoto Campus, and explore possibilities for collaboration in the field of education, particularly with Shinshu University’s affiliated schools.

Prior to the courtesy visit, the delegation toured the Shinshu University Natural Science Museum, where they observed specimens of rare insects and plants native to mountainous regions. This was followed by a visit to the Matsumoto Elementary School attached to Shinshu University Faculty of Education, where an exchange of views was held with principals and teachers from the attached schools, facilitated by Vice President Nishi in charge of Education and Attached Schools. Both sides introduced their respective initiatives in teacher training and education at attached schools, confirming a shared commitment to fostering human resources capable of contributing to a sustainable society and promoting global education. Based on this discussion, NPTU proposed concrete collaboration initiatives, including mutual exchanges of attached school teachers and education faculty students, as well as interaction between students of attached schools. Shinshu University proposed initially launching student exchanges online, which was agreed upon by both sides. Further discussions will be held to work toward implementation.

During the subsequent courtesy visit, the NPTU delegation, led by President Robert Y.S. Chen, was welcomed by President Soichiro Nakamura, Executive Director Hironori Yasuda (in charge of Global Education), and Vice President Yasuto Hayashi (in charge of Enrollment Management), among others. Following introductions of both universities, Vice President Hayashi presented Shinshu University’s initiatives in regional revitalization and proposed collaboration within the forthcoming Institute for Sustainable Society Co-creation, scheduled to be established in 2027. The NPTU delegation expressed a positive interest in this proposal.

In addition, Professor Shizue Masuki from the Graduate School of Medicine (Sports Medical Sciences) introduced the health benefits of the “Interval Walking Training”, while Research Associate Furihata reported on the outcomes of joint research with Tunghai University in Taiwan, one of Shinshu University’s partner institutions. Assistant Professor Morikawa also gave a live demonstration of the Interval Walking Training, which was met with great enthusiasm. These activities prompted lively discussions on future possibilities for joint research.

Through this visit, both presidents reaffirmed their commitment to further deepen and expand exchanges between the two universities and to strengthen their cooperative relationship.

• TJ Alliance: Taiwan Japan Alliance