The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, embassies of the V4 countries in Tokyo and Josai University Educational Corporation jointly hosted the V4 plus Japan Seminar in the hall of Building No. 1 on Josai University Educational Corporation’s Tokyo Kioicho Campus on February 9, 2018. This is the sixth time Josai has jointly hosted this seminar. At the suggestion of Hungary, which holds the V4 Presidency, “Brexit as Seen from Central Europe and Japan: Political and Economic Perspectives” was chosen as the theme of this year’s seminar. Approximately 70 people, including officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, members of embassies based in Japan, researchers of universities and think tanks, media representatives, our faculty members and students participated in this seminar.

At the start of the seminar, Mr. Motoyuki Ono, Trustee and Special Assistant to the Chancellor of Josai University Educational Corporation gave an opening speech on behalf of Josai. His Excellency Dr. Norbert Palanovics, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Hungary to Japan gave a keynote speech. Subsequently, Mr. Manabu Horii, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, spoke on behalf of the Japanese Government. In following sessions, participants had a spirited debate on the possible influence by Brexit.

Associate Professor Michito Tsuruoka of the Faculty of Policy Management of Keio University acted as the moderator throughout the seminar.
　 In Session 1, which approached the subject from political perspectives, interesting discussions were held on the re-unification of Europe and its future after Brexit. The discussions referred to the actual influence on economy and trade in the Czech Republic and in Hungary; and also referred to discussions in the Czech Republic on its possible withdrawal from the European Union.
　 From other point of view, it was strongly pointed out that free movement of human resources, merchandise and service should be secured throughout Europe, even after the United Kingdom withdrew herself from the European Union.
　 In Session 2, which dealt with economic issues, there were discussions on the necessity to share security responsibilities and the importance to retain the Schengen Agreement within the European Union. In connection with these subjects, the participants exchanged a variety of opinions on investment and trade strategy in Europe by Japanese companies. Associate Professor Bostjan Bertalanič, Faculty of Contemporary Policy Studies, Josai University also appeared before the audience as a participant. He explained the situation of the FDI by Japanese companies in Slovenia from his standpoint.

In the closing remarks Professor Akira Shirahata, President of Josai University mentioned that he was satisfied with Josai’s contribution to the further enhancement of relation between the V4 countries and Japan by co-hosting this seminar; and V4 countries and Japan are important partners sharing universal values and principles such as democracy, the rule of law, human rights, freedom, and market based economy.

What is the V4 and what is its relation with Josai?
Four Central European countries ― the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia ― have formed the Visegrad Group to provide a framework of cooperation for the purpose of promoting friendship and cooperative relation among the countries and developing the integration of Europe. This Visegrad Group is collectively called the “Visegrad Four Countries” (V4). The V4 Countries and Japan are important partners who have in common universal values and principles, such as democracy, the rule of law, human rights, freedom and a market-based economy. V4 and Japan are enhancing the cooperation in the areas of security, economy, science, technology and innovation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan has held various seminars on topics such as economy, environment, development cooperation, energy efficiency, etc. within the category of “V4 plus Japan.”
　 Josai University actively supports international exchanges with universities around the globe, aiming to strengthening activities to cultivate global human resources on medium-term basis. Josai’s bond with educational institutions in the Central Europe. Currently, 20 students from the V4 countries are studying at Josai University and Josai International University. Josai is one of few universities teaching Czech, Hungarian, and Polish language.