On Thursday, June 25, 2026, the 2026 reunion of the Kobe University International Student Alumni Association of Western Japan was held at Kobe University’s Value School (V.School), located in the Kobe University Education Building for System Informatics & Value Creation.
Kobe University has 15 international student alumni associations both in Japan and overseas. Within Japan, the Kobe University International Student Alumni Net in Japan (KAN-J) operates through two regional branches: Eastern Japan and Western Japan. This year marked the 18th gathering of the Western Japan Alumni Association, providing a valuable opportunity for international alumni and university representatives to come together.
The event opened under the moderation of Ms. Xue Yan (Graduate School of Human Development and Environment, 2008). Following opening remarks by Mr. Chen Lin, President of the Western Japan Alumni Association (China, Graduate School of Science, 2006), Prof. TAMAKI Hisashi, executive vice president in charge of education and internationalization, delivered greetings on behalf of the university. The reception officially began with a toast by Mr. Mark Fielden (Canada, Graduate School of International Cooperation Studies, 2007), after which participants enjoyed lively conversation and networking over a meal in a warm and friendly atmosphere.
During the event, two alumni presentations were delivered. The first speaker was Dr. Diego Mejia (Colombia, Graduate School of System Informatics, 2014), currently an associate professor at Kobe University’s Graduate School of System Informatics. Reflecting on his days as an international student at Kobe University, he shared the story of his career path with the aid of numerous photographs. The audience responded enthusiastically when nostalgic photographs appeared on screen.
The second presentation was given by Ms. Mariya Byvakina (Russia, Graduate School of Law, completed doctoral coursework in 2023), specially appointed coordinator at the Institute for Innovative Global Education (IIGE), Kansai University. She introduced her current work as a coordinator, and her passion for and commitment to the role were clearly conveyed to the audience.
During the networking session that followed, participants moved between tables, allowing for even more active interaction and exchange. Alumni attendees and several faculty members also introduced themselves, sharing information about their current activities and hobbies. These introductions highlighted the diverse fields in which Kobe University’s international alumni are making valuable contributions.
Looking ahead, in addition to events such as the International Student Homecoming Day, the alumni association plans to support career development initiatives for current international students. The continued growth and increasing vitality of alumni activities are greatly anticipated.
（Global Engagement Center）