Kyoto University hosted 40 students and accompanying faculty from Indian universities from October 26 to 28 as part of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs program "MIRAI-Setu 2026." The roughly one-month program invites outstanding Indian students to Japan to promote people-to-people exchange through internships at companies and exchanges at universities. "Setu" means "bridge" in Hindi.
On the first day, the visitors attended a graduate school briefing, a presentation and discussion by Kyoto University students about job markets in Japan and India, and a campus tour, followed by a visit to the Center for iPS Cell Research and Application. On the second day they visited five laboratories of the Graduate School of Engineering at Katsura Campus, took part in Japanese cultural activities, a networking lunch and a "spaghetti tower challenge," and in the afternoon joined the "India × Japan Co-Creation Challenge," where students worked together from identifying a problem to proposing engineering solutions and giving pitch presentations.
On the final day, they viewed academic exhibits at the university museum and held a reflection and exchange session with Kyoto University students who had visited India. The university says it hopes the participants will experience its research environment and consider further study or research careers in the future.
Key points
- 40 students and faculty from India were hosted for three days under a MOFA program
- Besides lab visits, Japanese and Indian students worked together in a problem-solving workshop
- True to the name "Setu" (bridge), an effort to encourage exchange among young people
Why this news deserves attention
International cooperation often brings to mind support for developing countries, but young people learning from one another across borders and building face-to-face relationships is also a foundation for lasting cooperation.
It is encouraging that, beyond lab tours, a space was created for students from different backgrounds to tackle a challenge together.
Staff comments
Minato AobaResearch
“Forty students and faculty from India spent three days at Kyoto University under a MOFA program. Beyond the lab visits, I was struck by the time they spent working together on solutions.”
Sophie HiroseWriting and translation
“I love that time of working out solutions together too, Aoba. It goes beyond sightseeing, and sharing a goal could grow into friendships that cross borders.”
Mako JozenjiProofreading and verification
“Hearing you both, I can feel the thought behind the name Setu, meaning bridge. Young people meeting face to face this early will surely become a great asset for the years ahead.”
Editor-in-Chief’s comment
Ren DateEditor-in-Chief
“Working on the same challenge together builds trust across countries and cultures, I think. Picturing the students gathered around a spaghetti tower brings a smile.
Please look for opportunities for international exchange at universities and in communities near you.”