Mission highlights mutual interest in strengthening academic and institutional cooperation.

The Federal University of Rio Grande (FURG) welcomed representatives from the Embassy of Japan in Brazil on January 14 and 15. The delegation included Tomoki Mitsuya, Second Secretary of the Embassy responsible for Environmental and Health affairs, and Daniel Yoshiy, Executive Advisor working in the areas of Environment and Agriculture. The visit was accompanied by the Secretary of International Relations at FURG, Dariano Krummenauer.

The agenda included a series of meetings and visits aimed at strengthening strategic connections between the university, local authorities, and the Japanese government. On January 15, the representatives visited the Institute of Oceanography and later the FURG Technology Park, where they were introduced to projects focused on scientific and technological innovation.

On January 16, the delegation began the day at the Marine Aquaculture Station, followed by a visit to AlgaSul, a company recognized for its work in algae-based biotechnology. In the afternoon, they visited the School of Chemistry and Food. According to Krummenauer, the itinerary was designed based on the research interests of the visitors, prioritizing FURG units that were specifically requested. “They pointed out several possibilities for collaboration with FURG, as they are currently in discussions with the Brazilian government about binational Brazil–Japan research initiatives,” he explained.

The Secretary emphasized that the visit was highly positive, particularly regarding interest in the Interinstitutional Center for Observation and Forecasting of Extreme Events (CIEX). Japan’s extensive experience in dealing with climate-related disasters was highlighted as a potential area for cooperation. Krummenauer also noted that Japanese expertise could contribute to discussions related to offshore wind platforms, which require environmental mitigation strategies.

The partnership is also strategically important because the visiting representatives maintain connections with several ministries, enabling them to facilitate interactions between FURG, the Japanese government, and the Brazilian government.

Beyond the campus activities, the delegation visited the Japanese Immigrant Monument, a landmark representing the historical presence of the Japanese community in the city of Rio Grande.

The representatives were also received by Mayor Darlene Rocha in a meeting attended by Rodolfo Gonçalves, CEO of the Japanese company JB Energy. The company recently signed a protocol of intentions to establish its first Brazilian subsidiary at the FURG Technology Park, reinforcing the potential for partnerships between academia and the private sector aimed at sustainable development.

The visit reinforces the mutual interest in expanding academic, cultural, and technological partnerships between FURG and Japanese institutions, while also strengthening the relationship between the city of Rio Grande and the Embassy of Japan in Brazil. According to Krummenauer, the representatives return with the mission of advancing several Brazil–Japan research initiatives.
“After this visit, we are confident that this closer relationship with the Japanese Embassy will help FURG once again strengthen the solid ties it has historically maintained with the Japanese government,” he concluded.