To strengthen ties and collaboration with its Japanese partner schools, Dean Ho-Sen Wang of the College of Sports and Recreation at National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU) led a delegation on a visit to Chukyo University, Mukogawa Women’s University, Nihon University, and the potential partner Toyo University from December 4 to 7, 2024. Accompanying Dean Wang were Dr. Li-Jung Lin, Director of the Graduate Institute of Sports, Leisure and Hospitality Management, and Professor Po-Hsiu Lin. During the four-day visit, the delegation focused on fostering academic relationships, monitoring the progress of NTNU’s exchange students, and evaluating sports facilities, making the trip highly fruitful.

🤝 Enhancing Collaboration with Chukyo University
On December 4, the delegation visited the School of Health and Sport Sciences at Chukyo University. Celebrating its 70th anniversary this year, Chukyo University boasts excellent sports facilities, including a skating rink serving as a national training center, and has produced over 120 Olympians, such as figure skater Shoma Uno.
Since becoming partner schools in 2010, both institutions have exchanged students and engaged in academic collaborations. This visit marked the first post-pandemic in-person meeting between NTNU faculty and Chukyo University representatives, including Dean Oida and Professor Ashizuka. Discussions centered on enhancing future collaborations, addressing exchange student experiences, and expanding academic dialogues to broader fields. The delegation also toured Chukyo University’s facilities and Sports Museum, gaining insights into their approaches to sports education, community engagement, and sports development.


🤝 Deepening Partnerships with Mukogawa Women’s University
On December 5, the delegation met with representatives from the School of Health and Sports Sciences at Mukogawa Women’s University, NTNU’s newest partner. The university demonstrated a warm welcome by hoisting the Taiwanese flag at the main gate and organizing two formal meetings. Vice Presidents Kawai and Takahashi, along with international office representatives, shared their insights on fostering internationalization and expressed strong interest in expanding cross-border research collaborations.
During a second meeting with faculty members from the School of Health and Sports Sciences, both sides celebrated the recent signing of the agreement and explored opportunities for student exchanges, short-term visits, and joint teaching programs. NTNU faculty expressed their appreciation for Mukogawa Women’s University’s dedication to this new partnership and their proactive attitude towards future development.

🤝 Building New Bridges with Toyo University
On December 6, the delegation visited the Faculty of Health and Sports Sciences at Toyo University, a prestigious institution founded over 120 years ago. Discussions with Professor Kiuchi and other faculty members focused on signing a collaboration agreement and planning dual degree programs, research initiatives, and short-term study opportunities for students. The visit highlighted mutual aspirations for a fruitful partnership, bolstered by prior exchanges such as Professor Po-Hsiu Lin’s short-term teaching engagement at Toyo University earlier this year.


🤝 Strengthening Bonds with Nihon University
The visit concluded at Nihon University’s College of Sports Sciences, where NTNU representatives met with Dean Mashiko and key faculty members. Discussions covered the progress of the first NTNU exchange student at Nihon University, strategies for selecting future candidates, and exploring short-term overseas training opportunities for student athletes. Nihon University’s state-of-the-art facilities and Olympic achievements also provided inspiration for NTNU’s upcoming sports science building at the Gongguan campus.
🤝 Looking Ahead
This visit not only reaffirmed NTNU’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with its Japanese counterparts but also provided valuable insights into facility design, sports science research, and academic exchanges. The College of Sports and Recreation remains dedicated to expanding international collaboration, enhancing the academic and athletic development of its students and faculty, and achieving its goal of ranking among the world’s top 100 sports science institutions.