Tokyo, Japan-Saturday, September 27, 2025-H.E. Ambassador Edward Wade Appleton, Jr along with Ms. Renaisa Summon visited the University of Tsukuba on Friday, September 26, 2025.
On behalf of His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., President of the Republic of Liberia, and the Government and people of Liberia, Ambassador Appleton extended his deepest gratitude to the University President NAGATA Kyosuke and his esteemed faculty for the visionary leadership he continues to demonstrate at the University of Tsukuba.
The Ambassador pointed out that Mr. NAGATA Kyosuke commitment to academic excellence, global engagement, and the cultivation of human potential is evident in every corner of his institution. Also, Ambassador Appleton stated that the university’s dynamic approach to research, innovation, and intercultural dialogue stands as a model for higher education worldwide.
Ambassador Appleton explained that the purpose of his visit was multifaceted, rooted in Liberia’s strategic desire to deepen educational and institutional ties with Japan. He lamented that specifically, we seek to explore:
• Institutional Partnerships between Tsukuba University and Liberia’s leading institutions of higher learning such as; the University of Liberia, Tubman University, Cuttington University, and the United Methodist University.
• Student Exchange Programs that would allow Liberian youth, particularly those from underserved communities, to access world-class education and cultural immersion in Japan.
• Scholarship Opportunities to empower promising Liberian students who lack financial means but possess the drive to contribute meaningfully to national development.
• Faculty Exchange and Capacity Building Initiatives to strengthen academic leadership, research capabilities, and curriculum development across Liberian universities.
The Ambassador emphasized that Liberia’s education system, while rich in history and potential, continues to face challenges such as limited infrastructure, insufficient faculty development, and gaps in access and equity.
He praised Liberia and Japan great and long standing relations; and informed President NAGATA Kyosuke that in particular, we are moved by Tsukuba University’s guiding philosophy of shikon risai (the need to be kind-hearted to others); and the harmonious integration of knowledge, virtue, body, and spirit. This concept resonates deeply with Liberia’s aspirations for holistic development and peacebuilding.
On behalf of the University of Tsukuba, President NAGATA KyosukeI extended sincere gratitude to Ambassador Appleton for his visit and for the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue on educational collaboration. Further, he stated he was honored by his commitment to strengthening Liberia–Japan relations through academic exchange, and reaffirms his willingness to support Liberia’s institutions of higher learning through joint research, faculty development, and student scholarship initiatives. President NAGATA Kyosuke pointed out that the University of Tsukuba stands ready to contribute to Liberia’s educational advancement and deepen our shared pursuit of knowledge and innovation.
As a kind gesture of friendship and solidarity, President NAGATA Kyosuke and the faculty of Tsukuba University raised the Liberian flag during Ambassador Appleton’s visit.
Ambassador Appleton and First Secretary Renaisa Summon also met with two Liberian students currently enrolled at the Tsukuba University.
2 Comments
Thank you Mr. Gboluma for the update. May God expose the main perpetrator (s) let justice prevail and let our people get their just benefits of their mother land. (Mama Gbarpolu). Fellow citizens, we shouldn’t worry God will weed the grass from our rice. Happy blessed Sunday.
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