Faculty of Humanities, Diponegoro University (FIB Undip), warmly welcomed Professor Hisanori Kato, Ph.D., from Chuo University, Japan on Monday, April 14, 2025. This visit marks a significant step in fostering international cooperation between Undip and one of Japan’s oldest private universities.
Professor Kato was accompanied by Elizabeth Ika Hesti Aprilia Nindia Rini, S.S., M.Hum., Secretary of the Japanese Language and Culture Study Program (BKJ), and Budi Mulyadi, S.Pd., M.Hum., a faculty member in the same program.
A Warm Reception from the Dean of FIB Undip
FIB Undip Sambut Profesor Hisanori Kato, Ph.D, dari Universitas Chuo, Jepang pada Senin, 14 April 2025.
Professor Kato was received warmly by the Dean of FIB Undip, Prof. Dr. Alamsyah, M.Hum., at the faculty’s meeting room. In his remarks, Prof. Alamsyah expressed his pleasure and appreciation for Professor Kato’s visit.
“We are honored to welcome Professor Kato to our campus. His presence is especially meaningful as FIB Undip has a Japanese Language and Culture Study Program. We hope that over the next year, we can develop a variety of valuable academic activities, including research, lectures, and other forms of collaboration,” said Prof. Alamsyah.
He added that Professor Kato had previously been involved with FIB Undip as a guest speaker in an online public lecture via Zoom several years ago. His physical presence in Semarang now provides a great opportunity to strengthen those academic ties.
Focus on Research and Book Writing
- Prof. Kato dan Prof. Alamsyah
During his stay in Indonesia, particularly in Semarang, Professor Kato plans to conduct in-depth research that will be published as a book. In addition to his research activities, he has expressed his willingness to deliver public lectures and join classroom sessions, especially within the BKJ study program. He is even open to interdisciplinary collaboration with other academic communities at FIB.
Prof. Alamsyah also expressed his hope that Professor Kato could deliver at least one lecture in Japanese, giving students the authentic experience of learning from a native speaker.
Prof. Kato: Semarang is Unique and Full of History
In his address, Professor Kato expressed his gratitude to FIB Undip, especially to Prof. Alamsyah, for the warm welcome he received. He shared his fascination with Semarang as a site for academic exploration.
“I’m very pleased to be in Semarang. This city is rich in history, and I’m particularly interested in the legacy of Admiral Cheng Ho, who once visited here. I want to learn more—not only about the culture and people of Semarang, but also about the academic environment at FIB Undip,” said Prof. Kato.
He also noted that Chuo University, where he teaches, is one of Japan’s oldest private universities, founded in the 19th century. He hopes that one day, students and faculty members from FIB Undip can visit Chuo University as part of an academic exchange program.
The presence of Professor Kato is a testament to FIB Undip’s commitment to expanding its international network and enhancing academic quality, particularly in the field of Japanese language and culture. Through this spirit of collaboration and knowledge exchange, the visit is expected to bring significant benefits to both institutions.