Chuo University Shanghai Office is the third overseas hub that Chuo University has opened, following the establishment of the Chuo University Pacific Office in Hawaii (United States) and the Chuo-Thammasat Collaboration Center (Chuo University Thailand Office) in Bangkok (Thailand).

In 2011, Chuo University and USST entered into an agreement to foster active cooperation in academics and research.

Thanks to Chuo alumnus and Director of the USST Japan Culture Center, Professor He Weiming, both universities have been working together to establish the foundation for creating the new office, realizing the establishment of the Chuo University Shanghai Office at the USST Japan Culture Center.

Prior to the opening ceremony, a cooperative event was held by eleven students from the Takeishi Seminar at the Chuo University Faculty of Commerce and eleven students from USST. For about one hour, the two groups of students took turns giving presentations. Chuo students made presentation in English on “Bed and Breakfasts in Japan”, whereas USST students made presentations in Japanese on “Differences between Japanese and Chinese University Lives” and “Differences between Chinese and Japanese Residence Lives”.

During the presentation on “Differences between Japanese and Chinese University Lives”, one USST student asked Takeishi Seminar students if any of them work part-time jobs. All of the Chuo students raised their hands.

“In my understanding, the majority of Japanese students view part-time work as part of their university life,” said the USST student. “In contrast, Chinese students work part-time jobs in order to fulfill specific goals (for example, wanting to purchase a new mobile phone, etc.).”

During the presentation on “Differences between Chinese and Japanese Residence Lives”, a USST student revealed the following: “In Chinese student dormitories, you will be expelled if you are found having a hot-pot party in rooms. Even with this risk, Chinese students enjoy having hot-pot parties in their rooms.” Although there were gasps of surprise, many Takeishi Seminar students smiled at the honesty with which USST students spoke. The presentations were made in a relaxed atmosphere, and it was a wonderful opportunity for deepening interaction among students.

The opening ceremony was attended by Chuo’s Chancellor and President, Shozaburo Sakai, Executive Regents, Masahiko Omura and Kanichi Hayashi, Vice President and Director of the International Center, Chikako Takeishi, Associate Director of International Center, Stephen Hesse, five other faculty members, eleven students, and fifteen members from the Chuo University Alumni Association Chinese Student Branch.

The ceremony was also attended by Kazuyuki Katayama, the Consul-General of Japan in Shanghai, and other honored guests from related Japanese organizations in Shanghai. From USST, the ceremony was attended by President Hu Shougen, numerous faculty members, and eleven students. Also, present at the reception desk was the Chuo University mascot Chu-Oji. The memorable event held in Shanghai, China was attended by a total of 80 people.

At the reception after the opening ceremony, honored guests, faculty members, and students of both universities enjoyed casual conversation and Japanese foods such as yakitori and sushi. It was an outstanding opportunity for further deepening interaction between the universities.

The highlight of the reception was the cutting and serving of a raw tuna, a gift from the Chuo University Alumni Association Chinese Student Branch. Many attendees grabbed their cameras and encircled the 50-kilogram tuna, enthralled by the live demonstration of cutting.

Based on the friendly relations which have been established over a period of several years and further deepened by the recent opening ceremony and reception, the Chuo University Shanghai Office aims to play a significant role in gathering information on international exchange, preparing overseas study programs for students, providing research support for faculty members, network formation, and public relations activities.

Chuo University seeks to spread internationally the school’s tradition of practical learning and is working to develop human resources who will support a sustainable international society. To achieve these goals, the new Chuo University Shanghai Office will enable us to implement higher education programs in close cooperation with USST.