Mission Headlines
2015/11/6
Japan Week 2015 (Kansai University Japan-EU Research Center at KU Leuven)
On November 4, 2015, in the presence of Professor Rik Torfs, Rector of KU Leuven, Professor Kusumi Harushige, President of Kansai University, Professor Willy Vande Walle, Mr. Herman Van Rompuy and Ambassador Katakami, the 5th Japan Week opening ceremony was held at the University of Leuven.
In his congratulatory address , Mr. Katakami praised this cultural and academic event which strengthens the relationship between Belgium, the EU and Japan. He also noted that this year was the 10th anniversary of the Japan Kansai University EU Research Centre, highlighting the major role and the continued efforts of Professor Vande Walle for promoting this institution and its work. Mr. Katakami also encouraged the students present at the ceremony to continue their studies to promote Japanese culture in Belgium and beyond.
This event was also an opportunity for the conferral of an honorary doctorate upon Mr. Van Rompuy by Kansai University. Finally, Mr. Katakami also officially announced the conferral of the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun upon Mr. Herman Van Rompuy by the Japanese government in recognition of Mr. Van Rompuy's efforts and contribution to promoting relations and mutual understanding between Japan and the Europe as well as promoting Japanese culture, in particular through haiku, during his presidency of the European Council.
In his congratulatory address , Mr. Katakami praised this cultural and academic event which strengthens the relationship between Belgium, the EU and Japan. He also noted that this year was the 10th anniversary of the Japan Kansai University EU Research Centre, highlighting the major role and the continued efforts of Professor Vande Walle for promoting this institution and its work. Mr. Katakami also encouraged the students present at the ceremony to continue their studies to promote Japanese culture in Belgium and beyond.
This event was also an opportunity for the conferral of an honorary doctorate upon Mr. Van Rompuy by Kansai University. Finally, Mr. Katakami also officially announced the conferral of the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun upon Mr. Herman Van Rompuy by the Japanese government in recognition of Mr. Van Rompuy's efforts and contribution to promoting relations and mutual understanding between Japan and the Europe as well as promoting Japanese culture, in particular through haiku, during his presidency of the European Council.
