<![CDATA[TOKAI UNIVERSITY EUROPEAN CENTER - Activities]]>Wed, 03 Jun 2026 18:24:20 +0100Weebly<![CDATA[Lecture Evening about Japanese Craftsmanship in collaboration with Dansk-Japansk Selskab]]>Tue, 17 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.u-tokai.dk/activities/lecture-evening-about-japanese-craftsmanship-in-collaboration-with-dansk-japansk-selskab
On the 17th of March we had the honor of hosting a lecture evening by freelance calligrapher artist and designer Chiaki Watanabe, also known as CHIAKI, organized in collaboration with Dansk-Japansk-Selskab.

In her lecture CHIAKI shared her extensive knowledge about shokunin, Japanese artisans, and Japanese traditional crafts. In addition to showing various examples on how unique culture and environmental circumstances in the regions have historically shaped different traditional crafts, a key focus of the lecture was on the various artisans of younger generations that CHIAKI has personal connections to. In particular, she told stories of how these young artisans are innovating and adapting their craft and their family businesses to a modern market to keep their crafts from dying out.

Based on her many years living overseas and observing traditional crafts, CHIAKI also shared her interesting thoughts on the ways European and Japanese artisans seem to differ in their ideological approaches and goals.

A big thank you to CHIAKI and Dansk-Japansk-Selskab for an enlightening lecture, and to the guests who attended.
]]><![CDATA[Student Delegation Groups visit Denmark]]>Sun, 22 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.u-tokai.dk/activities/student-delegation-groups-visit-denmark .accordion { padding: 20px 0;}#element-9 [...] ]]>
This February and March TUEC welcomed and hosted two different study groups from Japan, consisting of students from Tokai School of Medicine and Tokai School of Childhood Education respectively. In the sections below you can read more about each of the groups’ study tours in Denmark.
School of Medicine Program
From February 22nd to February 28th, a delegation from Tokai School of Medicine of 11 students accompanied by two teachers, spent a week in Denmark where they got to visit various institutions and clinics.

Upon their arrival Sunday afternoon the group was received by TUEC staff, and then spent their evening checking in and eating supper at TUEC. 

On Monday, their second day in Denmark, the group’s first visit was to the General Practitioners Association (PLO) and later to a General Practitioner’s clinic in Copenhagen. At these visits the group learned about how the Danish Health Care System works, and what role GP’s play in Denmark.

The following day the group visited guest researcher Dr. Shotaro Isozaki in his office at Copenhagen University Hospital, and also got to meet Dr. Isozaki’s host professor Jacob Tfelt-Hansen at the Hospital’s Cardiovascular Center. After lunch the group then visited Statens Serum Institut (SSI), where they were explained how the Danish National Biobank is being operated, and what sort of research is being done with these vast amounts of datasets. The program of the day was concluded in the evening back at TUEC with a presentation by Dr. Isozaki and dinner. At his presentation, Dr. Isozaki explained how he went from being a researcher in Japan to now doing research here in Denmark through the connections of TUEC, and what academic endeavours he has made throughout this journey. As of lately, he also published his newest research article about cardiovascular health related risk factors - which the students were also presented to.

On Wednesday, the third day of the trip, the group got up early and took a longer trip to Odense where they visited the Research Unit of Psychiatry of the University of Southern Denmark (SDU). Here they were introduced to the department in general, followed by five presentations done by their researchers, within the following topics: digital psychiatry, alcohol use, social cognition, shared decision making in psychiatric treatment and stem cells and brain organoids in psychiatric research. After their visit to SDU the group did some sightseeing in Odense before returning to TUEC for the evening.

On Thursday the group visited the Nursing Home Ingeborggården, where they received a presentation and tour followed up by a Q&A. The students were particularly curious about how they took care of elderly with severe dementia, as well as how the local affiliated GP would work in collaboration with the facility. Later on the day they would visit a new General Practitioner clinic in Copenhagen, where they would go through different imagined patient-doctor scenarios, and discuss the difference between applied methods in Denmark and Japan.

Friday was the group’s last full day in Denmark, and it started with a visit to the University of Copenhagen’s (UCPH) Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences (the Panum Institute), where the group received a guided tour by two students of the Faculty. After the visit and lunchtime, the rest of the day was left open for free time and gave the students a chance for a last bit of sight-seeing in Denmark.
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Childhood Education Program
We hosted the second delegation of 21 students and two accompanying teachers from Tokai School of Childhood Education from March 1st to March 10th, for a slightly longer stay of 10 days.

On their day of arrival Sunday afternoon TUEC staff welcomed the group in the airport upon landing  and took them to TUEC where the student could check in before eating supper.

On Monday, the following day, the students were split into two groups and each group got to visit a forest kindergarten. Each group was introduced to their respective forest kindergarten, after which they were allowed to follow along with the children into the forest. In the forest, the kids would play freely and have a small lunch, while our students could ask questions to the kindergarten-teachers. At the end of the visit, our Tokai students had prepared some fun Japanese games to play with the children in the forest, which were very well received and became a joyful interaction for all. 

On Tuesday the group visited the University College Absalon (UC Absalon) in Roskilde, where they were briefly introduced to the School and then had the chance to meet a group of young UC Absalon teacher-students. They then did various group work activities together, introducing fun teaching methods. Following this was a quick lunch, before travelling by bus together with the entire group of UC Absalon students and professors to visit Bjergmarksskolen. After a brief introduction of Bjermarkskolen, Tokai and UC Absalon students were split into smaller groups, and had the chance to see classes being taught, as well as interact with the pupils and teachers, asking each other questions about school life in Denmark versus Japan. After driving back to UC Absalon by bus the group would have free time, where some of them did some sightseeing in Roskilde.

The following day the study group got to participate in Lærfest, a teaching exhibition and conference with many booths showcasing different teaching equipment and methodologies. Two of the UC Absalon students, whom the group had met the day before, were so kind as to show them around at the Lærfest, as well as have some bonding time together.

Thursday morning the group went to visit another forest kindergarten, and by lunchtime they then visited Atheneskolen. Atheneskolen is a school for highly intelligent children, with the aim of teaching these children on a higher level than a normal Danish school, whilst still maintaining a sense of normalcy and continued curiosity among the children. Here our Tokai students were also split into smaller groups, and attended various classes being taught to the children. The program was concluded by an open discussion all together and a summary of what experiences the visit had taught.

On Friday the group got to visit the Danish folk high school: Grundtvigs Højskole in Hillerød, which was originally founded by the very N.F.S. Grundtvig, who has inspired the core concept of non-formal adult education that Danish folk high schools are built upon. The visit consisted of a guided tour followed by lunch together with the principal and students of the school. After this the group had a touristy look inside and around the nearby Frederiksborg Castle for the afternoon.

After a weekend with no planned program the group visited Espergærde High School on Monday, their last full day, where they were first told about High School education in Denmark and shown around the school by the students, and then got to participate in an English lesson focused on group work. Lastly, our group and the high school students had the chance to do some free conversation in English, allowing for a fun and relaxed ending of their program in Denmark.

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]]><![CDATA[JARA (Japan Alumni and Researcher Assembly) 2026]]>Wed, 04 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.u-tokai.dk/activities/jara-japan-alumni-and-researcher-assembly-2026
​On 4 February 2026, The Japan Alumni and Researcher Assembly (JARA) was held at the University of Aarhus. JARA aims to promote networking within the Japan-related research community in Denmark, and to provide a forum for researchers, professionals and students, to meet and discuss new ideas. JARA also promotes Japan-related research and student scholarships.
 
The event began with respectively Tokai University European Center, JSPS and the Embassy of Japan giving a short presentation on their exchange and scholarship opportunities.
 
After this, opening remarks were delivered by Ms. Kobashi from the Embassy of Japan, Mr. Jakob from the Tokai University European Center, and Professor Kazuyuki Kuroda, Director of the JSPS Stockholm Office.
 
Then it was time for the two lecturers to extend their knowledge on the theme of this year’s JARA event; “Changing Sceneries: Human interaction with landscapes in Japan and Denmark”, by sharing their perspective through each their own research on the subject.
 
The first lecture was held by Dr. Masahito Fuwa of Tohoku Institute of Technology. He addressed Japan’s Sustainable Improvement Strategies for Cultural and Ecological Landscapes.
 
The next lecture was held by Dr. Stefan Darlan Boris from the Aarhus School of Architecture. His presentation examined rural transformation in Denmark, focusing on declining towns and the emerging of forest landscapes in the countryside.
 
The event was rounded off with an open discussion session on the topic involving both Lecturers and Students, and finalized through a sushi reception right after, which provided an informal setting for networking and conversation.
 
We wish to sincerely thank all speakers, organizers, and participants for making this event a success.
]]><![CDATA[Lecture Evening about Shikoku 88 in collaboration with Dansk-Japansk Selskab]]>Tue, 27 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.u-tokai.dk/activities/february-19th-2026
On January 27th we had the honour of hosting a Lecture Evening in collaboration with Dansk-Japansk-Selskab, where author Marie Lau Florin told us about her pilgrimage journey through Shikoku 88.

Throughout this lecture, Ms. Florin would share her own experience of wandering through the world's oldest pilgrimage route, a 1.300 kilometer journey across the Japanese Island Shikoku, where she visited the 88 temples along the way together with her husband.

The Lecture included an enthusiastic rendering of what it felt like for her to be a complete stranger and beginner, and how this experience made her feel like a little child again. The presentation would also include beautiful pictures, as well as hands on advice, for anyone interested in going on the journey for themselves.
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We would like to give a big thanks to Marie La Florin, Dansk-Japansk-Selskab and of course everyone who attended this event.
]]><![CDATA[Tokai Alumni Association Denmark's New Years Gathering and Lecture about Japanese Garden Art]]>Fri, 23 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.u-tokai.dk/activities/tokai-alumni-association-denmarks-new-years-gathering-and-lecture-evening-about-japanese-garden-art
On January 23rd we held our annual Tokai Alumni Association New Years Gathering, which consisted of a Lecture Event followed by a sushi buffet for all to enjoy.

The Lecture was about Japanese Garden Art, and was done by the architect and author Frans Borgman Hansen. At the Lecture Professor Hansen showcased his own pictures and drawings from his studying period in Japan, which focused on Japanese Garden Art and Architectural History.

Some of the key elements of the Lecture were the aesthetical concepts that permeate Japanese Garden Art and Architecture, such as imbalance, imperfection and simplicity - derived from Zen-buddhism and the perception of nature during the Heian-period. 
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We were honoured to see so many guests joining this event, making it a wonderful first event of this year.
]]><![CDATA[Nordic-Japan Forensic Cardiology Understanding Symposium (NJ-FOCUS)]]>Fri, 05 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.u-tokai.dk/activities/nordic-japan-forensic-cardiology-understanding-symposium
Tokai University European Center held its first Nordic-Japan Forensic Cardiology Understanding Symposium (NJ-FOCUS) on December the 5th 2025. It was launched by Dr. Shotaro Isozaki (Associate Professor at Tokai University, School of Medicine) who is currently a Guest Post Doctoral Fellow at the Copenhagen University Hospital’s Cardiovascular Center working as a part of the Research Unit of Sudden Cardiac Death.

The Symposium was co-organized with the Copenhagen University Hospital’s Cardiovascular Center and the Institute of Forensic Medicine of the University of Copenhagen and supported by the JSPS Stockholm Office.

Aiming to create a network between researchers in the fields of Forensic Medicine and Cardiovascular Medicine in Japan and the Nordic countries, this Symposium had presentations by researchers from Denmark, Finland and Japan. It was attended by a physical audience as well as an online audience with participants from Japan and various Nordic countries resulting in a total of around 80 attendees.
 
The event began with a welcome address from our Director Jakob Skyt Jensen, followed by an opening address from our Executive Director Seiko Oyama. In the first session, Professor Jacob Tfelt-Hansen - Isozaki's Host Professor at the Copenhagen University Hospital - gave a lecture on epidemiological research of sudden cardiac death and hereditary arrhythmias. Professor Christian Torp-Pedersen from University of Copenhagen then spoke about the Danish registry system and its use in epidemiological research. In the second session, Docent Katja Porvari from University of Oulu in Finland gave a presentation on the effects of hypothermia on the cardiovascular system, followed by a presentation on cardiomyopathy and sudden cardiac death by Doctor Rasmus Bork-Dinesen from the Copenhagen University Hospital.

In the third session after a lunch-break, Professor Yu Kakimoto from the Department of Forensic Medicine at Tokai University School of Medicine spoke on proteomic analysis of sudden cardiac death cases. Associate Professor Takuma Yamamoto from Hyogo Medical University then presented his genetic analysis and animal models of a RBM20 cardiomyopathy sudden cardiac death case. Finally, Professor Akira Hayakawa from Akita University talked about a sudden cardiac death case in Eosinophilic Coronary Periarteritis. In the fourth session, Associate Professor Isozaki presented his research on physical activity and sudden cardiac death during leisure time, and Doctor Deepthi Rajan from the Copenhagen University Hospital described atrial fibrillation and sudden death in young patients. Lastly, Maria Brun Nielsen, a student at the University of Copenhagen School of Medicine, presented a risk analysis of hereditary cardiac disease in first-degree relatives of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients.

In closing, Professor Jakob Tfelt-Hansen thanked all the speakers and concluded: “We would like to further strengthen the collaboration between Japan and the Nordic countries in Forensic Medicine, sharing knowledge and continuous support in the future.”
]]><![CDATA[Lecture about the Jômon-period]]>Fri, 28 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.u-tokai.dk/activities/lecture-about-the-jomon-period
On the 27th of November 2026, Tokai European Center opened their doors to a lecture about the Jômon-period by Signe Tørsleff Fisker, who is currently conducting an internship at Tokai University Center. Signe studies Prehistoric Archaeology at the Saxo-Institute of the University of Copenhagen.
 
The lecture was hosted in collaboration with the Tokai Alumni Association, and it was free for anyone who wished to attend with an interest in early Japanese history. It was a hybrid event consisting of physical and online attendance.
 
Signe presented the audience with an in-depth introduction to the Jômon-period from an archeological perspective. This included the lifestyle of the Jômon-people as one of the world’s longest-lasting prehistoric cultures. She elaborated on recent discoveries that challenges the general perception of the Jômon-society, offering new perspectives to the over-all research. Signe furthermore shared her broad knowledge of both cord-marked pottery, ritual clay figurines and large stone circles- some of the most significant relics of the period.
 
After the lecture, a Q&A took place where the audience had the opportunity to ask further questions about the Jômon-period, where Signe answered the questions in greater detail.
 
We hope the lecture was able to broaden the audiences’ knowledge about the wonders of prehistoric Japan by the great efforts of Signe’s research.
]]><![CDATA[Lecture event about Japanese Tea in collaboration with Dansk-Japansk Selskab]]>Tue, 28 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.u-tokai.dk/activities/lecture-event-about-japanese-tea-in-collaboration-with-dansk-japansk-selskab
On October 28th we had the honor of hosting a Lecture event about Japanese Tea in collaboration with Dansk-Japansk Selskab (The Danish Japanese Association).

The Lecture was done by Steen Pipper who has been passionate about tea since his childhood and who is now a part of the Global Japanese Tea Association - teaching others about Japanese Tea.

The lecture began with the history of tea and insight as to how different types of teas have developed over time. After this it focused on the Japanese tea harvest and production and presented the biggest different tea types, such as Matcha, Gyokuro, Sencha and Bancha with an explanation of what distinguishes each type. Furthermore, the lecture discussed some of the challenges that the tea firms, especially small family-owned businesses, are facing today in Japan.

During the lecture all participants were also offered various tea tastings with an explanation of how to brew each tea type in the best way. The guests could enjoy both Hôjicha, and Sencha (hot and cold brewed).

We hope that the event could inspire the attendants to dive further into the Japanese Tea Culture and deepen the appreciation of both the art of making tea and drinking it - which in many ancient traditions is considered a meditative Zen practice.​
]]><![CDATA[Japan Pop Culture Day in collaboration with Tokai's Alumni Association at Tokai University European Center]]>Fri, 26 Sep 2025 23:00:00 GMThttps://www.u-tokai.dk/activities/japan-pop-culture-day-in-collaboration-with-tokais-alumni-association
On Saturday, September 27, the Tokai University European Center in Vedbæk was transformed into a vibrant hub for Japanese pop culture. The event attracted cosplay enthusiasts, anime and manga fans, as well as curious visitors eager to experience a cultural day.

Guests could immerse themselves in Japanese pop culture through a wide range of activities. The artist alley featured talented creators showcasing and selling their work, while vendors offered unique merchandise and a booth presenting second-hand J-fashion.

Restaurant Banzai delighted attendees with freshly prepared onigiri, dorayaki, and kakigori, while Dansk Japansk Selskab served both Japanese and Western refreshments.

Throughout the day, visitors could join a beginner-friendly Japanese language workshop, attend a lecture on J-fashion, and test their knowledge in a lively pop culture-themed Jeopardy game. Upstairs, a karaoke room and gaming area invited guests to relax, compete, and have fun.

A highlight of the event was the free cosplay photo sessions with professional photographer followed by a cosplay catwalk that showcased the creativity and dedication of the participants.

Beyond the activities, the event offered a welcoming space to meet like-minded people, share experiences, and be inspired by the many imaginative expressions of Japanese pop culture.

The aim of the day was to spread awareness of Japanese pop culture while fostering community spirit. Thanks to the energy and enthusiasm of both organizers and participants, the event was a resounding success — leaving many hopeful that it will return in the future.

We are very grateful for all who attended, and we owe a big thanks to Tokai's Alumni Association as well as all other contributors who made this event possible.
]]><![CDATA[Washoku Event at Tokai University European Center (TUEC)]]>Mon, 22 Sep 2025 23:00:00 GMThttps://www.u-tokai.dk/activities/washoku-event-at-tokai-university-european-center-tuecOn September 23rd,  a ”washoku” event was held at TUEC in collaboration with the Embassy of Japan in Denmark. The purpose of the event was to promote Japanese cuisine and provide a networking opportunity for culinary professionals and other industry representatives.
 
The event was attended by over 40 guests, including participants from culinary schools, school lunch businesses providing Japanese food in Denmark, wholesalers, retailers, culinary businesses and Japan-related businesses.
 
Ambassador Hideki Uyama and TUEC’s Head of Administration, Jakob Skyt Jensen, opened the event with welcome speeches, introducing the event and the program of the day. Professor Emeritus Ole G. Mouritsen, President of the Danish Gastronomical Academy and Japanese Cuisine Goodwill Ambassador, then gave a lecture about Japan’s unique fifth taste, umami. Following the lecture, the personal chef of Ambassador Uyama, Mr. Atsushi Suzuki, demonstrated how to make three basic components of Japanese cuisine: dashi, miso and onigiri. All guests were provided with freshly made samples for tasting and five select guests had the opportunity to try their hand at onigiri-making.

To round off the event, a tea ceremony was held by the tea group, Byakudan-no-kai, at TUEC’s Japanese tea house.
 
In collaboration with local businesses, booths with Japanese food products were also exhibited, promoting a variety of Japanese products.

TUEC was very pleased to be able to promote Japanese food culture in collaboration with the Embassy of Japan. The interest for Japanese cuisine has increased significantly in Denmark over the last decade, with Danes of all ages enjoying Japanese food on a regular basis. Sale and selection of Japanese food products in Danish supermarkets and online shops have also increased considerably. In addition, Japanese food culture has a lot to offer with regard to maintaining a healthy, balanced diet and shifting towards use of more sustainable ingredients, and we therefore hope that participants were inspired by the event. 
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