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.