A new exchange agreement between the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo and Eikei University of Hiroshima will enable students from both universities to study at the other institution. UH Hilo Chancellor Bonnie Irwin welcomed a delegation from Japan to campus on October 14 to pen the document. The group’s visit to UH Hilo was part of a week-long visit to Hawaiʻi to celebrate 25 years of a sister state relationship between Hawaiʻi and Hiroshima Prefecture.
“Hawaiʻi and Japan have so much in common as island cultures, and I look forward to building upon the sister-city relationship between Hilo and Hiroshima through a partnership with Eikei University,” said Irwin. “We are excited to forge this new partnership with Eikei University, and I look forward to working with the campus to encourage more of our students to study abroad.”
Established in April 2021, Eikei University prides itself on being a “22nd century-type university” aimed at nurturing students and developing their skills to bring positive change to the world into the future. UH Hilo hosted Eikei University President Mutsuhiro Arinobu and Yuko Uesugi, director of international affairs at the university who were part of the visiting delegation.
The group also included representatives from Hiroshima Prefecture including Governor Hidehiko Yuzaki. While in Hilo, they toured ʻImiloa Astronomy Center and visited Maunakea.
Before arriving on Hawaiʻi Island, the delegation attended a reception at Washington Place hosted by Gov. David Ige and First Lady Dawn Amano-Ige.
