United States Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel hosted a reception for the Japan-Ukraine University Pathways program at his official residence on Thursday, December 8. Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi and Ukrainian Ambassador Sergei Korsunsky were in attendance along with 60 Ukrainian students, representatives from 18 host universities, corporate and foundation sponsors, and leaders of the Ukrainian expatriate community in Japan.

Ambassador Emanuel gave welcome remarks in which he praised Japan for its strong support of Ukraine and its openness to Ukrainians fleeing the war. Ambassador Korsunsky echoed these remarks by pointing out that over 2,100 Ukrainians had been welcomed in Japan since the Russian invasion, and that nearly 400 of these evacuees were studying at Japanese universities. Foreign Minister Hayashi then made remarks in which he reiterated Japan’s strong support for Ukraine and praised the Japan-Ukraine University Pathways program for its accomplishments. He emphasized how impressed he was that the program was privately sponsored and managed without direct support from the Government of Japan. JICUF President Paul Hastings also made remarks, which are included in full below. Finally, two Ukrainian students gave touching remarks about how fortunate they felt to continue their studies in such a peaceful environment, and how thankful they were to the Japanese people for welcoming them with open arms and hearts.

Following the official program, the guests were treated to a delicious buffet dinner. It was a wonderful evening and celebration of international cooperation between Japan, Ukraine and the United States.

Paul’s remarks:

Thank you Ambassador Emanuel and Ms. Rule for generously opening your residence to us and for hosting this reception.

Since 2017, the Japan ICU Foundation and Pathways Japan have been working together to support education pathways for refugee and displaced students.

After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, we quickly took action and launched the Japan-Ukraine University Pathways program to enable Ukrainian students to continue their university studies in Japan. It is this program that we are celebrating tonight.

The first 5 students arrived in early May to study at ICU. Interest quickly grew amongst other institutions, and I am so pleased to share that 18 universities have joined the program, in total providing opportunities to 61 Ukrainian students. This has been achieved through close partnership between universities, foundations, corporations and government.

All of you here this evening have played a role. Thank you for your support.

I grew up in Japan and love this country. I believe that Japan plays an important role globally as a free and open society, and I strongly encourage everyone here tonight to continue to support displaced students. These students are the talented, multilingual and civically-minded leaders of tomorrow that the world so desperately needs.

I would like to say a brief word to the students. Students, you are courageous and strong. Leaving your home, your friends, your families, is hard, especially during the uncertainty of war. However, departing the ordinary allows you to sharpen your awareness of the world and your place in it. My dream for each of you is that the keener awareness you develop while in Japan will lead to a clearer sense of purpose as you live out your lives.

Thank you and enjoy your evening.