Guest lecture in Tokyo and seminar presentation on Wales

On Friday 30 September, Jonathan Richards, Director of the International Office, was pleased to be invited to Tsuda College to deliver a guest lecture on: “Contemporary Wales: Language, Culture, Politics and Change”. He was welcomed and introduced by Professor Sugisaki from the International and Cultural Studies Department and was pleased to give the group of Tsuda students in attendance a variety of information about Wales and its place in the 21st century form a number of angles. The students were introduced to Welsh literature, music and culture; were given a short introduction to Welsh devolution and the work of the Assembly Government; and also learnt- very quickly- a few Welsh phrases.

Feedback from staff and students at Tsuda College was very positive. Jonathan then gave a general presentation to further students about Aberystwyth and the particular study opportunities available to Tsuda students as a result of the formal agreement established between Aber and Tsuda. This was followed by a lunchtime session when a small group of students were able to ask individual questions about life and studies at Aberystwyth. Jonathan would like to express his thanks to Professor Sugisaki and staff from Tsuda’s Centre for International Exchange for their warm hospitality. “I am confident that this visit will strengthen the links between our two institutions and we look forward to welcoming Tsuda students to Aberystwyth to follow individual study programmes in areas such as International Politics, English and Creative Writing, Management, and so on”.

Two days later, Jonathan Richards, was invited to offer a seminar presentation on studying in Wales, alongside other regional seminars on studying in London, Oxford, the North East and Manchester.

The Master of Ceremonies for these regional seminar presentations was a graduate of Aberystwyth, Yuki Nakauchi. Yuki graduated in 2002 with a degree in Welsh and film studies and is believed to be the only Welsh-speaking Japanese radio broadcaster. In a lively and friendly manner, Yuko introduced all of the seminar speakers. In her introduction and observations on her studies in Wales, Yuko wowed the Japanese audience with her knowledge of Wales and the Welsh Language, especially when she mentioned the longest place name in Anglesey, Wales, viz:

Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch

Yuko is proof that an education at a Welsh university offers the best of UK Education- and more!