Executive Director and Vice President (International Affairs, Research, and Academic Information), Masashi Maida,2026Years8Month19On that day, I paid a courtesy visit to Consul General Tsuyoshi Otsuka of Japan in Busan.

　On that day, meetings were held with Consul General Takeshi Otsuka of the Japanese Consulate-General in Busan, Consul Kenkichi Takahashi, and others, and opinions were exchanged on the current state of marine and fisheries-related industries in the Busan area, exchanges between Japan and Korea, and the education and research of our university.

　Consul General Otsuka provided an overview of potential new collaborations in the fisheries industries of Japan and South Korea, the development status around Busan Port, and South Korea's actions regarding the Arctic shipping route.

　In response, Executive Director and Vice President Maida stated that, in connection with the university's ongoing research strategy, he is interested in Busan's marine-related industries, particularly the fisheries and port/logistics sectors.

　Furthermore, when we requested cooperation from the Consulate General regarding lectures and information provision for students studying in Busan, they readily agreed. We expect that deepening our collaboration with the Consulate General and creating opportunities for students to deepen their understanding of local diplomacy, economy, and industry will further enhance our university's educational and research efforts.