— A New Phase of International Partnership Centered on European Engagement —

The Center for Global Initiatives at Tokyo University of Agriculture (Tokyo NODAI) is strengthening collaboration with France as a priority partner in Europe. France is home to world‑class research capabilities in the fields of food, agriculture, and the environment, driven by national institutions such as INRAE (the French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment).

By connecting Tokyo NODAI’s strengths in fermentation & food science, agroecology, and sustainable food systems with leading French research, we are promoting a strategic partnership that integrates education, research, and human resource development.

(1) INRAE Delegation Visits Setagaya Campus — A New Step in Japan–France Collaboration (October 3, 2025)

On October 3, 2025, an official delegation led by CEO, INRAE Mr. Philippe Mauguin, Vice-President for International Policy, Dr. Thierry Caquet and Director for International Affairs, Dr. Pierre Marie, among others, visited the Setagaya Campus. They were accompanied by Dr. Adeline Rasseau, Counselor for Science and Technology at the Embassy of France in Japan, and Mr. Guillaume Faury (Agricultural Counselor), among others.
During the visit, active discussions were held regarding priority research areas for collaboration, researcher exchanges, and the potential development of graduate students mobility programs. The delegation also toured laboratories at the NODAI Science Port.
This visit marked not a one-time exchange, but the starting point for building a long-term partnership aimed at co-creating a sustainable future for food, agriculture, and the environment.

This collaboration was initiated in 2023 by Dr. Kazuhisa Goto, Deputy Director of the NARO Development Strategy Center, NARO (and Visiting Professor at Tokyo NODAI), who began dialogue with INRAE. Through continued discussions and relationship-building, this effort has led to a new model of international cooperation in which public research institutions and universities in Japan and France work in close coordination. The visit symbolizes the formal launch of this emerging framework of strategic mutual collaboration.

(2) Special Seminar by a Professor of École Supérieure d’Agricultures (ESA) — Deepening Educational Collaboration (January 19, 2026)

Professor Sébastien Couvreur from École Supérieure d’Agricultures (ESA), a private higher education institution established in 1898 and a partner university of Tokyo NODAI since 2004, visited the Setagaya Campus to deliver a special seminar.
In addition to introducing ESA’s educational system and international programs, Professor Couvreur spoke about the current situation of French agriculture, dairy farming, food consumption trends, and regional agri-food culture. The seminar highlighted how integrated perspectives such as regional identity and gastronomy in France strongly resonate with the comprehensive agricultural education and practice-oriented learning promoted by our university.
The seminar served as an important step in deepening understanding of European agri-food systems and strengthening students’ interest in studying abroad in France.

(3) INRAE Special Seminar: Cutting-Edge Research on “Food and Health” (February 13, 2026)

Dr. Sophie Nicklaus, Senior Research Director and a leading research in the field of food and health at INRAE, was invited to deliver a special seminar titled “Food and Health × Research Frontiers.”
The seminar introduced cutting-edge research conducted in France on food and nutrition, as well as transitions toward sustainable dietary practices. In addition, Dr. Florent Chazarenc, International project manager China, Japan, South Korea at INRAE, presented the institute’s international strategy, particularly its current collaboration with Japan. Referring to European research frameworks such as Horizon Europe, he outlined future prospects for strategic joint research and researcher mobility between Europe and Japan.
Through active discussion and a lively Q&A session, participants—especially students—were given a valuable opportunity to reconsider food and health from an international perspective.
After the seminar, a detailed discussion on future collaboration between INRAE and Tokyo NODAI was held with Dr. Teruaki Taji, Director of the NODAI Research Institute, Prof. Yuji Yamamoto, Dean of the Faculty of Applied Bioscience, and others.

From European Engagement (France) to the World

The Center for Global Initiatives at Tokyo University of Agriculture will continue to strengthen academic and educational networks connecting Europe and Asia to promote the development of globally minded professionals who contribute to the realization of a sustainable society.