The University of Tokyo - Asian University for Women (AUW) Joint Winter Program at AUW

From February 28 to March 13, 2026, the University of Tokyo (UTokyo) and the Asian University for Women (AUW) conducted the Joint Winter Program in Chittagong, Bangladesh. The program brought together 15 undergraduate students from each institution. Following the success of last year’s Summer Program held at UTokyo, participants explored the complex issues surrounding the program's theme, “Living as/with Immigrants and Refugees” through a series of lectures, site visits, and various activities.

Lectures by scholars and professionals on topics, including the Rohingya refugees, gender-sensitive challenges in public health and medical care, climate change, and education, offered students a complex understanding of the underlying causes and lived experiences of human mobility in Bangladesh.

Outside the classroom, students visited various locations, including a shipbreaking yard, a ready-made garment (RMG) factory, a local NGO, a tea estate, and cultural sites such as temples and the Ethnological Museum. Furthermore, during the “Japan Day” event on March 8, UTokyo participants and faculty introduced Japanese culture and provided information on studying in Japan to AUW students. These two weeks of immersive learning inside and outside the classroom not only provided multifaceted perspectives on the program's theme but also fostered deep mutual understanding and lasting friendships, making it a truly invaluable experience for all participants.

Besides the program, during AUW’s Commencement Ceremony held in Chittagong on January 10, 2026, President Teruo Fujii was conferred an Honorary Doctorate in recognition of his outstanding research in underwater engineering and applied microfluidic systems as well as his significant contributions to the partnership between UTokyo and AUW.

In his commemorative speech, President Fujii encouraged the graduating students of AUW to thrive on the global stage and invited them to consider pursuing graduate studies or careers in Japan. He also expressed his sincere gratitude to the Fast Retailing Foundation, the AUW Support Foundation, and all partners whose continuous support has made these joint initiatives possible. He added that UTokyo remains committed to collaborating with AUW and its supporters to provide diverse learning and exchange opportunities for students from both institutions.


*A photo on the bottom row: ⒸAsian University for Women（From left: Kamal Ahmad (Founder of AUW / President & CEO of AUW Support Foundation), Rubana Huq (Vice Chancellor of AUW), Cherie Blair (Chancellor of AUW), President Teruo Fujii）