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Visegrad Group (V4) plus Japan Seminar held to discuss immigration issues

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, the Visegrad Group (V4) countries, and Josai University Educational Corporation jointly hosted a V4 plus Japan Seminar in the basement hall of Building No. 1 at Josai University Educational Corporation’s Tokyo Kioicho Campus on Wednesday, February 22, 2017. About 70 people, including officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, officials of the embassies of more than 16 countries based in Japan, researchers of universities, media representatives, from Josai University, students and specialists participated in this seminar.

This is the fifth time that Josai University Educational Corporation has jointly hosted this seminar. At the suggestion of Poland, which currently holds the V4 Presidency, the theme of this year’s seminar was immigration issues.
  At the beginning of the seminar, Motoyuki Ono, Chancellor ad interim of Josai University Educational Corporation, gave an opening speech on behalf of Josai University, and then Motome Takisawa, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, spoke on behalf of the Japanese government. Subsequently, Piotr Szostak, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Tokyo, gave a keynote speech on behalf of Poland which holds, the V4 Presidency. In his speech, Mr. Szostak stated that last year was a historic year, marking the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the V4, but due to the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union and other factors, the V4 countries are also facing a difficult situation.

Opening speech by Motoyuki Ono, Chancellor ad interim of Josai University Educational Corporation

Opening speech by Motoyuki Ono,
Chancellor ad interim of Josai University Educational Corporation

Keynote speech by Motome Takisawa, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs

Keynote speech by Motome Takisawa,
Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs

Keynote speech by Piotr Szostak, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Tokyo

Keynote speech by Piotr Szostak,
Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Tokyo

In each of the sessions following the keynote speeches, researchers from Japan and the V4 countries presented the results of their studies, and then there was a lively exchange of opinions with participants regarding (1) The Origins of Current Migration Crises, (2) Policies of V4 Countries Migration Issues, and (3) Migration Issues from Japan’s Perspective.
  The percentage of Polish people among the population of foreigners in the U.K. has increased recently, and, furthermore, the Brexit occurred. It was pointed out that under these circumstances, the East European countries, which are countries sending immigrants, are generating political protests from countries accepting immigrants. Moreover, the Central and East European countries see migrants entering Europe as immigrants, not as refugees, and they are not in the position to be officially accepted because they are seen as “illegal immigrants.” This overlaps in many ways with Japan’s situation and policies. In this sense, too, this seminar was very significant.

*What is the V4 and what is its relationship with Josai University?
Four Central European countries―the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia―have formed the Visegrad Group, also called the Visegrad Four or V4, to provide a framework for cooperation aimed at promoting friendship and alliances among the countries and the integration of Europe. For Japan, the V4 countries are important partners sharing common universal values and principles on the basis of democracy, the rule of law, human rights, liberty, and a market economy. Japan and the V4 countries are also enhancing their cooperation in the areas of security, the economy, science and technology, and innovation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan has held various seminars on topics such as the economy, the environment, development cooperation, and energy efficiency for the V4 plus Japan.
  Josai University actively promotes international exchanges with various universities around the world, based on its medium-term goal of strengthening international exchange activities for the purpose of developing global human resources. In particular, Josai University is strengthening educational exchanges with the Central European region. Currently, 43 students from the V4 countries are studying at Josai University and Josai International University. The Hungarian, Polish, and Czech languages are also taught at these universities.

Commemorative photo of panelists

Commemorative photo of panelists


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