The two-day ‘Italian Studies Show’ in Tokyo, this year at its 12th edition, attracted more than 3,000 visitors. Hosted at the Italian Cultural Institute in Tokyo and organised in partnership with the Italian Embassy and the Italian-Japanese Association, the Show included the participation of 18 Italian Universities, 20 language schools and 3 fashion academies and scheduled a programme of collateral initiatives, simulations of the Italian language certification exam and the opportunity to meet Italian exchange students.
The Italian Cultural Institute also simultaneously hosted workshops to illustrate the courses, promote tourism along cultural itineraries and university campuses. The Show also included a stand of the Japanese Ministry of Public Education and of the Jasso Organization, which supports the scholarships awarded to Japanese students intending to spend a period of academic studies abroad. The Italian Ambassador, Giorgio Storace, said: “It is a unique opportunity to further internationalise our university system. The growing demand for courses in Italy will certainly be met by our universities, which will have to offer not only Japanese but also all foreign students courses taught in English both in the scientific disciplines and in high technology. This is a field in which Italy is capable of making a very appealing offer. Therefore, it is important to intensify our efforts throughout the Japanese territory, at universities, research centres, and training institutions, especially focusing our attention on scientific disciplines and technology partnerships, which mark the future of cooperation between Italian and Japanese universities. For too long Japan has looked at Italy only for its offer of classical studies (art, music and literature).”
