News

On June 10, 2025, His Excellency Gitanas Nausėda, President of the Republic of Lithuania, visited Waseda University, where he paid tribute to Chiune Sugihara and delivered a welcome address at the international scientific event, the “Lithuania-Japan Science Forum,” held at Waseda’s Ono Memorial Hall.

President Nausėda, together with Waseda University President Aiji Tanaka, laid flowers at the relief of Chiune Sugihara, the Japanese diplomat who, during World War II, issued transit visas to save thousands of Jewish lives while stationed in Lithuania. Waseda University has long maintained a close relationship with Lithuania through Sugihara’s legacy, hosting numerous collaborative events over the years.

Following the tribute, President Nausėda and President Tanaka proceeded to the Ono Memorial Hall, where they participated in the “Lithuania-Japan Science Forum.” In his welcome speech, President Tanaka highlighted the historical and academic ties between the two nations, emphasizing that Lithuania remains an important partner for Waseda University, where Sugihara once studied.

President Nausėda reflected on his visits to various science and technology institutions during his stay in Japan and expressed strong hopes for future collaboration. He underscored the importance of such forums in deepening bilateral cooperation in science and innovation.

The “Lithuania-Japan Science Forum” was co-hosted by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), the Research Council of Lithuania, and the Embassy of Lithuania in Japan, with support from the Lithuanian University Rectors’ Conference and Waseda University. The event brought together numerous researchers from both countries, offering a valuable opportunity to share the latest research findings and foster academic networking.