The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) on Thursday inaugurated the Institute of Japanese Studies based at the University of Juba to enhance knowledge sharing and interaction between the two sisterly countries.

Jacob Dut Chol, the Interim Director for the Institute of Japanese Studies said the institute will enhance more visibility and more academic work in terms of knowledge exchange programs between Japan and South Sudan.

“The institute is research and academic based just to allow researchers in Japan and South Sudan to interact, in the future, it is going to expand as a hub of Asian studies so that South Sudan can market itself to the Asian region,” said Chol.

He disclosed that the institute will focus on research, publications and seminars to improve Japan-South Sudan relationship, adding that it will offer diplomas, degrees, masters and doctoral studies in various fields.

“The program of teaching will come later, there will be programs of Japanese language, there will also be scientific studies, information communication technology, medicine, science, engineering and mathematics,” said Chol.

Kayashima Nobuko, the Senior Research Advisor for JICA Ogata Sadako Institute for Peace and Development, said that the Institute of Japanese Studies has been established as a result of the unique similarity and history between Japan and South Sudan. 

Robert Mayom Deng, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Juba called on the Japanese government to offer scholarships in areas of science and ICT as well as exchange programs for students and academic staff at the University of Juba.

 “Three years ago, we signed a MoU with JICA. The main objective was to see the possibility for sharing knowledge for sustainable development and modernization. We would like to mobilize students who would wish to study in Japan,” said Deng. 

Tanaka Hiroyuki, the Chief Representative of Japan International Cooperation Agency in South Sudan, said the Institute of Japanese Studies will enable sharing of Japanese experience, social, political and economic development.