The Japan Institute of the Moving Image has become a sister school of TNUA after both sides signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on November 1.
TNUA President Prof. Yang Chyi-Wen signed the MOU with his Japanese counterpart, Prof. Tadao Sato, in Japan during his recent visit to the country.
Prof. Yang, accompanied by Dean of General Affairs Prof. Chen Yue-Hung, Prof. Wang Tung from the Department of Filmmaking, and Prof. Huang Li-Yun from the Department of Fine Arts, also visited TNUA's other sister schools in Japan, such as the Tokyo University of the Arts (Geidai).
The TNUA delegation received a warm welcome from Geidai's president, Prof. Ryohei Miyata, and other school administrators.
Prof. Yang noted that TNUA and Geidai have been working together closely in many aspects, such as music and fine arts. Further collaboration will facilitate cultural and academic exchange between the two schools and between the two countries in general.
With the newly signed MOU, Prof. Sato noted that both sides will now be able conduct many exchange projects between their teachers and students.
Prof. Sato noted that he had visited TNUA in 2012 to take part in the Global Forum for the Presidents of Universities of the Arts. He also gave a master class at the Kuandu Film Festival.
Prof. Yang also disclosed that TNUA plans to offer a series of short-term courses on Taiwanese culture specifically designed for teachers and students from its Japanese sister schools. The courses are meant to break the language barrier and deepen understanding of each other's culture.