MEXT Scholars Association Welcome Reception – November 2025
About This Programme
On Saturday, November 8, 2025, the Reception for MEXT Scholars 2025 in Tokyo was held at the JASSO Tokyo International Exchange Center (TIEC). Organized by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) and the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO), with cooperation from the MEXT Scholars Association (MSA), the reception welcomed new scholars and provided practical guidance for life and study in Japan.
Event details
- Date and Time: Saturday, November 8, 2025, 13:00 to 17:30
- Venue: JASSO Tokyo International Exchange Center (TIEC)
- Organizers: MEXT, JASSO
- Cooperation: MEXT Scholars Association (MSA)
Program highlights
Main Reception (13:00 to 13:50)
The reception opened with a welcome featuring the traditional Japanese instrument Wadaiko, followed by a message from the organizers.
Booth Consultation and Brochures (14:00 to 15:55)
Participants accessed consultations and information materials, including:
- MEXT Scholars Association (MSA): Advice from senior scholars on life in Japan, and on-site MSA registration
- Immigration Services Agency: Guidance on residence status
- Japan Association for Promotion of Internationalization (JAPI): Job-related information for international students
- Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS): Research support programs available after graduation
- Japan Arts Council: Information on Noh and other traditional performing arts
- Tokyo Wangan Police Station, Metropolitan Police Department: Crime prevention information and safety tips
- AIST Tokyo Waterfront (National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology): Information on AIST and its research activities
Brochures were also available from Miraikan, The Japan Foundation, JNTO, and JASSO.
Japanese Culture Experiences (14:00 to 15:55)
To deepen cultural understanding, participants joined hands-on activities:
- Japanese Tea Ceremony (14:00 to 15:55): Traditional tea and tea ceremony etiquette
- Origami Workshop (14:00 to 15:25): Paper-folding as a traditional Japanese art
- Noh Workshop (14:00 to 15:55): Introduction to Noh, one of Japan’s classical performing arts
Seminars by Senior MEXT Scholars (14:00 to 15:55)
Senior scholars delivered practical sessions based on real experiences:
- Seminar 1 (14:30 to 15:25): What Japan Gave Me Beyond a CV
- Seminar 2 (14:00 to 15:55): Job Hunting in Japan and Navigating Academia in Japan
- Seminar 3 (14:00 to 15:55): A Guide to Learning Japanese and Living Frugally in Japan
Networking Party (16:00 to 17:30)
The day concluded with a networking party at the 4F Gym, featuring casual conversation, games, snacks, and drinks.
Thank you to all speakers, organizers, volunteers, and participants for making this reception a meaningful and practical start for the incoming MEXT scholar community.
