The University of Pretoria (UP) has officially launched the Centre for Japanese Studies (CJS), a hub that contributes to the promotion of mutual understanding and co-operation between South Africa and Japan.

The CJS, the first of its kind in South Africa, was moved from the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) to the Faculty of Humanities on UP’s Hatfield Campus where it will enjoy more exposure.

Prof Cycil Hartell, academic director of the CJS, says the centre enhances knowledge about Japan and South Africa with a focus on the academic and business community, and is an intellectual home for a wide community of academic, student and business leaders in South Africa and Japan. 'We foster dialogue and collaboration, and facilitate partnerships for education, research and training between South Africa and Japan. We also promote the profile and culture of Japan within the South African academic and business community and share best practices in education, business, research and training through exchange programmes for students, researchers and business leaders.'

The CJS has a close relationship with the Embassy of Japan, and His Excellency Mr Shigeyuki Hiroki, Ambassador of Japan, is co-hosting the launch of the centre with the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of UP, Prof Cheryl de la Rey. 'The CJS will not only [strengthen the bridge between] Japan and South Africa … but will also provide greater potential to benefit the general public through the sharing of innovative ideas,' says Ambassador Hiroki.

Through the CJS, UP will be hosting a number of events aimed at strengthening ties with Japanese business communities, universities and societal institutions. One of the first events at UP is a workshop to identify potential collaboration areas between UP and Japanese universities. This workshop will be held on 17 September 2015 and will provide academics from UP and Japanese universities with the opportunity to present their fields of interest and to concretely identify potential avenues for research partnerships. The workshop will be followed by A Study-in-Japan Fair during which eight visiting universities from Japan will provide students with information on career, study and exchange opportunities in Japan.