The JLT Department student delegation traveled to Japan between June 10 and 25, 2025, to participate in various events as part of the 27th Matsushita Memorial Foundation Japan Research Trip.

The 27th annual “Matsushita Konosuke Memorial Foundation Japanese Language and Culture Research Trip” took place from June 10 to 25, 2025, under the leadership of our Department Chair, Prof. Dr. Tolga ÖZŞEN. The delegation included students Rukiye Bengi ÖNGELEN, Sena EŞSİZ, Miraç KILIÇ, Ceren ŞAHİN, Beyza Gökçe TOKSÖZ, and Betül Deli.

During the research trip, official visits, meetings, and workshops were held in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Nagoya.

Highlights of the Trip:

• Tokyo:
  In the first phase in Tokyo, our delegation visited the Matsushita Institute of Public Policy and Management, where they received detailed information about ongoing projects and exchanged views on Turkey-Japan relations with researchers. The delegation also paid a visit to the Turkish Ambassador to Japan, presenting information about our department’s collaborations, projects, and academic activities with Japan. Besides visits to historic sites such as Kamakura and Asakusa, the Tokyo program concluded with a meeting with our alumni living in Japan, discussing life and career opportunities in the country.

• Osaka:
  During the Osaka phase, the students met with Mr. Masayuki Matsushita, President of the Matsushita Konosuke Memorial Foundation, dedicated to honoring the legacy of Panasonic’s founder, Konosuke Matsushita. The students had a meaningful conversation with Mr. Matsushita, who generously signed and shared his book detailing Konosuke Matsushita’s life philosophy. Following this, the delegation visited the Matsushita History Museum and the MonozukurISM Museum located at Panasonic’s headquarters, which showcase Matsushita’s leadership vision and the company’s product development journey. After official visits in Osaka, the students were warmly hosted by members of the Hippo Family group, longtime collaborators of our department, gaining a rare opportunity to experience daily life in a Japanese household over two days.

• Kyoto:
  In Kyoto, the third phase of the trip, the delegation explored the city’s rich historical and cultural heritage. Visits included the Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kiyomizu Temple, the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), and the International Manga Museum. These visits gave students the chance to see firsthand the historic sites studied in their courses and deepen their understanding.

• Hiroshima:
  In Hiroshima, the delegation met with the Hiroshima-Çanakkale Friendship Association, which has maintained uninterrupted cooperation with our department since 1999 and has been consistently providing us with Japanese calendars for 26 years. Aside from official engagements, the group visited Miyajima Island and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. The visit to the Peace Memorial Museum was especially impactful, providing students with profound insight beyond their academic knowledge and a firsthand understanding of the devastating realities of war.

• Nagoya:
  The final stop was Nagoya, where our delegation was graciously welcomed at their residence by the Consul General of Nagoya, Ms. Damla GÜMÜŞKAYA. The meeting included discussions on current and future departmental projects and cultural cooperation with Japan. Subsequently, the students participated in a workshop organized with the seminar group of Prof. Dr. Kiwamu Ando at Nagoya City University. Through mutual presentations, students engaged in in-depth conversations about student life and shared concerns and aspirations regarding their post-graduation futures.