The Department of Japanese Language Teaching experienced a historic day on May 7, 2026, making profound academic and cultural contributions to Turkish-Japanese relations through high-level international events.

Academic Bridge: Cooperation Agreement with Kansai Gaidai University A major milestone was achieved with the official signing of a cooperation agreement between COMU and Kansai Gaidai University. The ceremony was honored by the presence of the Consul General of Japan in Istanbul, Mr. Ryoji Iwama, and the President of the Board of Trustees of Kansai Gaidai University, Ms. Eiko Tanimoto, along with her delegation. This partnership marks a new era of academic exchange and collaborative opportunities between the two institutions.

The Opening of the Sakura Friendship Path Following the signing ceremony, the official opening and symbolic tree-planting ceremony of the "Sakura Friendship Path" took place at the COMU Anafartalar Campus. This project expands upon a historical legacy that began in 1993, when a Japanese Imperial Prince planted the very first Sakura tree on campus to honor the foundation of the department.

The high-profile event was attended by Consul General Ryoji Iwama, COMU Rector Prof. Dr. R. Cüneyt Erenoğlu, Kansai Gaidai University Board President Eiko Tanimoto and her delegation, Dean of the Faculty of Education Prof. Dr. Muzaffer Özdemir, Head of the Department of Japanese Language Education Prof. Dr. Tolga Özşen, as well as numerous academics and students.

A Symbol of Eternal Friendship and Internationalization As part of the ceremony, a new Sakura tree—deeply regarded in Japanese culture as a symbol of friendship, renewal, and ephemeral beauty—was planted to represent the unwavering bonds between the two nations. Speakers at the ceremony emphasized that the diplomatic, educational, and cultural relations between Turkey and Japan would be further advanced through these continuous academic collaborations.

The program highlighted COMU's internationalization strategy and its ongoing commitment to intercultural dialogue. The Department of Japanese Language Education was highly commended for its academic expertise as a leading undergraduate program training Japanese language teachers in Turkey, and for its pivotal role in strengthening educational ties between the two countries.

Following the ceremony, Consul General Iwama, Ms. Tanimoto, and the accompanying delegation visited promotional stands to receive updates on various ongoing academic projects. The historic day concluded with a commemorative photo session featuring the Turkish and Japanese delegations, leaving a lasting legacy of friendship and international solidarity.