Embassy of Japan in the UK

Durham University celebrated the launch of a new Japanese Studies programme with a visit from His Excellency Mr Keiichi Hayashi, the Japanese Ambassador to the UK. The University’s prestigious Oriental Museum also held a two week festival of Japanese Culture to mark the occasion.

Supported by the Japanese Embassy, the Japanese Consulate General and Teikyo University of Japan, the festival included lectures, workshops and demonstrations of many different aspects of Japanese culture including food, film and arts.

Ambassador Hayashi said: “I would like to offer my congratulations to Acting Vice Chancellor Professor Ray Hudson, Durham University staff, and all those who helped to launch the University’s Japanese Studies programme. I am delighted to be here today to welcome new students. It is great news for this University and for Japan to have a four-year Japanese Studies BA degree course at this distinguished centre of learning."

“I hope that these students will be a guiding force in the strengthening of Japan-UK relations during their time at the university and in the future” he said.

Ambassador Hayashi with Pro Vice-Chancellor, Professor David Cowling
and Durham University, staff and students.

Ambassador Hayashi with Durham University students
(Photograph courtesy of Durham University)

The multi-disciplinary programme offers students the opportunity to study the language and culture of Japan, as well as a range of other modules from Anthropology to Law and includes a year studying abroad at a Japanese university.

Acting Vice Chancellor of Durham University, Professor Ray Hudson said: “We are honoured to welcome His Excellency Mr Keiichi Hayashi to Durham and look forward to building further cultural and educational links with Japan."

“Japan is a key player in the world economy and the graduates from this new programme at Durham will be equipped to compete on the global stage. Durham is a truly global University and we are always keen to broaden our awareness and understanding of world cultures” he said.