Nagasaki University Global Alumni Network (NUGAN) Leiden Chapter Establishment Reception held in Leiden on Nov 30, 2024

　On November 30th 2024, a reception was held at Japan Museum Sieboldhuis in Leiden, the Netherlands, to commemorate the establishment of the Leiden Chapter of the Nagasaki University Global Alumni Network (NUGAN).
　Ronald Hilhorst, President of the Leidse Alumni Kai (Leiden University Japan Studies Alumni Association) gave his assistance in preparing for the Chapter’s establishment with the support of “Tanuki”, a study association related to Japan studies and, as a result, the NUGAN Leiden Chapter was formed comprising alumni of Leiden University’s Japan Studies programme who have studied in Nagasaki. The history of exchange between Leiden University and Nagasaki University is extensive, and since the conclusion of an academic exchange agreement in 1989, there has been not only the acceptance of students from the Japan Studies programme, but also mutual exchange of students and faculty in the fields of medicine and humanities.
　On the day of the event, Leiden University faculty, Japan Studies programme alumni, students from the School of Global Humanities and Social Sciences currently studying abroad at Leiden University, staff of the Japan Museum Sieboldhuis, and more took part in the reception.
　From Nagasaki University, Trustee Ito Masako (in charge of student and international affairs), Assistant Director （Europe） of the Office for Global Relations Yamashita Noboru, and Assistant Professor of the Office for Global Relations Moriyasu Taeko attended the reception. Guests numbered approximately 40 people.
　The reception began with a congratulatory address from Kris Schiermeier, Director of the Japan Museum Sieboldhuis, followed by opening remarks by Trustee Ito Masako, and then a greeting from Ronald Hilhorst, President of the Leidse Alumni Kai, and congratulatory addresses were given by Wim Boot, Professor Emeritus of Leiden University, and Ivo Smits, Professor of the Japan Studies. After the toast, participants socialized at the venue where the Siebold Collection was on display, illustrating the history of exchange between the Netherlands and Nagasaki.
　We hope that this will strengthen the human networks among alumni in Leiden, and further promote exchange between Leiden University and Nagasaki University.
The establishment of this NUGAN Chapter is the fifth such case following those established in Thailand, Vietnam, Africa (continental), and Taiwan.

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