On April 10, Denise Duch, the 5th Hamburg Cherry Blossom Queen from Germany, visited Kobe University.

The Hamburg Cherry Blossom Queen serves as a goodwill ambassador for the city of Hamburg, contributing to Japan–Germany exchange through participation in cultural events and activities. Ms. Duch was selected as the 5th queen at a competition organized by the German-Japanese Society of Hamburg in May 2025. She was accompanied on this visit by HASHIMARU Eiko, president of the German-Japanese Society of Hamburg, and KOSAKA Setsuo, honorary ambassador of Hamburg and former Japanese consul-general in Hamburg. Kosaka is also an alumnus of Kobe University and has long contributed to fostering exchanges with Hamburg.

The delegation first visited the Kusunoki Campus, where they paid a courtesy visit to Professor SHOJI Ikuo, dean of the Graduate School of Medicine. During the meeting, President Hashimaru introduced the history and activities of the Hamburg Cherry Blossom Queen. This was followed by discussions with Professor Shoji; Vice President KURODA Ryosuke, director of the Kobe University Hospital; Vice President FUKUMOTO Takumi; and Professor SHINOHARA Masakazu, director of the Next Generation International Center at the Graduate School of Medicine. The participants exchanged views on the future development of university education and research activities, as well as on healthcare systems and hospital structures in both countries. Ms. Duch also shared her experiences of staying in Japan, and they discussed Japanese culture, including anime.

The delegation then moved to the Rokkodai Campus, where they paid a courtesy visit to President FUJISAWA Masato. President Fujisawa welcomed the delegation and introduced the current status of the university and its international initiatives. The participants also exchanged views on the potential for future collaboration with universities and research institutions in Hamburg.

Ms. Duch commented that Kobe University’s campuses are beautiful and blessed with an environment full of nature. She also noted similarities with universities in Hamburg, such as having multiple campuses within the city. The meeting was conducted in a cordial and welcoming atmosphere. 

This visit is expected to further deepen exchanges between the two countries in the future.

(International Affairs Division)