【Summary】
Saga University participated in a series of commemorative events celebrating the 120th anniversary of China Agricultural University. Representing President Koichi Node, the delegation included Director Kazusato Oshima, Prof. Dr. Makoto Tokuda from the Faculty of Agriculture, and a team of three members including two graduate students. Saga University was the only institution from Japan to attend, marking its third milestone visit under the university’s Presidential Strategic Partnership Project (Strategic PSP).
On October 15, Director Oshima paid a courtesy visit to Vice President Du Taisheng of China Agricultural University and conveyed President Node’s congratulatory message. The message reflected on the 25 years of collaboration since the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 2000, and highlighted the recent progress in joint research in the field of entomology led by Professor Tokuda, following the renewal of the MOU in November 2023 under the Strategic PSP framework.
Vice President Du expressed his appreciation for the congratulatory message and for Saga University’s continued visits over the past three years. He also shared his hopes for further strengthening the partnership between the two institutions. At the conclusion of the meeting, Director Oshima presented a commemorative gift—a Fuji Plate crafted in Arita-yaki, a traditional ceramic art of Saga Prefecture.
That afternoon, the delegation attended the 2025 World Agricultural University Presidents Forum, where the establishment of the A20 Alliance for Agricultural and Food System Innovation focusing on global food security and sustainable agricultural development was proposed. The forum featured lively discussions among university leaders from around the world.
On October 16, the 120th anniversary ceremony of China Agricultural University was held at the university’s gymnasium, which served as the wrestling venue during the 2008 Beijing Olympics. The event was attended by alumni, university officials, and representatives from various countries and regions. As a representative of overseas partner institutions, the president of Wageningen University & Research (Netherlands) delivered a congratulatory address. Director Oshima and the Saga University delegation joined in celebrating this significant milestone.
On October 17, the delegation visited the Embassy of Japan in China for a courtesy call and exchanged views on agricultural and educational developments in China. Later, guided by Professor Wang Hongqing of the College of Horticulture, the delegation toured the university’s History Museum. They also visited the College of Plant Protection, the Insect Museum, and the College of Biological Sciences (Institute of Life Sciences), engaging in discussions on future collaboration in research and student exchange.
This visit was not only a celebration of the university’s anniversary but also a meaningful opportunity to deepen academic and institutional ties. Building on the strengthened partnership, Saga University aims to further promote joint research and student exchange, enhance its research and educational capabilities, and contribute to solving regional and global challenges—ultimately fostering a more innovative and sustainable society.
About the Strategic PSP
Based on Saga University Vision 2030, the Strategic Partnership Project (Strategic PSP) has been implemented since FY2022 to strategically enhance the university’s international research and educational capabilities and promote innovation. Under this initiative, Saga University selects key partner institutions from among its academic exchange agreement universities and provides focused support for international exchange activities.About the A20 Alliance
Proposed on October 15, 2025, by China Agricultural University, the A20 Alliance for Agricultural and Food System Innovation is a new international platform that brings together agricultural universities and research institutions worldwide. Its mission is to collaboratively create a sustainable and hunger-free future through education, research, and technological innovation, addressing global food security and promoting sustainable agricultural development.
A commemorative photograph with Vice President Du Taisheng of China Agricultural University, positioned fourth from the right
Formal presentation of a congratulatory message to Vice President Du Taisheng of China Agricultural University / Director Oshima being interviewed
Participation in the 3rd World Agricultural University Presidents Forum
A video message of congratulations from President Koichi Node
View of the interior of the venue during the 120th Anniversary Ceremony of China Agricultural University
Outside the venue of the 120th Anniversary Ceremony of China Agricultural University
(formerly the wrestling venue of the 2008 Beijing Olympics)
Mr. Tetsuya Masima, Counselor (third from the right), and Mr. Yudai Omura,
First Secretary (third from the left), Embassy of Japan in China
A guided tour of the History Museum by Professor Wang Hongqing (far right in the photo) /
Exhibition explanation by Associate Professor Li Xuankun of the College of Plant Protection
(pictured in the foreground)
Visiting the Insect Museum at the College of Plant Protection
Research explanation by Professor Liang Pengbo of the School of Biology (Life Sciences Institute), shown on the left in the photo / he tour of the experimental facilities
A visit to the School of Biology, Life Sciences Institute
【contact】
Office for International Planning
TEL: 0952-28-8166
mail: kokusai@mail.admin.saga-u.ac.jp