Japan Shows Interest in Collaborating with Bulgarian IT and Nuclear Experts for Future Partnerships
In an exciting development, Japan has expressed its keenness to work with IT specialists and nuclear energy experts from Bulgaria, leading to potential future partnerships. The Ministry of Education and Science press service reported this news after a meeting between Education Minister Galin Tzokov and a delegation from Tokai University, headed by Prof. Kiyoshi Yamada of the University’s board of trustees.
The collaboration between the Education Ministry and Tokai University has spanned an impressive 55 years, encompassing various academic exchanges and joint research projects. Notably, Japanese and Bulgarian scholars have engaged in collaborative research on Thracian heritage, and there is also a student exchange program through the children’s radio choir.
Bulgaria has shown significant interest in Japanese culture and language, with 106 Bulgarian students currently studying Japanese studies, and over 1,000 pupils learning the language. Kiyoshi Yamada highlighted that Bulgaria even organizes an annual oratory contest in Japanese, with the grand prize being a trip to Japan. He emphasized that many children in Bulgaria display remarkable fluency in Japanese, despite never having visited the country.
The growing relationship between Japan and Bulgaria received a new impetus when the Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Nishimura Yasutoshi, visited Bulgaria in May 2023. During his visit, he expressed admiration for Bulgaria’s commitment to training IT specialists and visited the Institute for Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Technology (INSAIT) with Sofia University. Nishimura noted the importance of exchanging experiences between Bulgarian and Japanese experts and urged Tokai University to facilitate this collaboration.
Education Minister Tzokov enthusiastically offered his support in establishing connections between the Japanese delegation and Bulgarian universities that specialize in high technology training. To foster this collaboration, he arranged a meeting between the Tokai University representatives and the members of INSAIT. Tzokov also proposed the development of joint training programs and the exchange of IT students between Bulgaria and Japan.
Furthermore, Japan expressed a need for nuclear energy specialists, and both Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski and Technical University of Sofia in Bulgaria offer nuclear energy programs. Kiyoshi Yamada commended Bulgaria on the gold medals won by its gymnasts at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, further strengthening the friendly ties between the two nations.
This convergence of interests and potential partnerships serves as a testament to the growing bond between Japan and Bulgaria. As cooperation deepens in the fields of IT and nuclear energy, both countries are poised to benefit from sharing expertise and advancing their respective industries. With the commitment of government officials and academic institutions from both sides, the future holds immense potential for fruitful collaborations and mutual growth.
