Korea-Japan Youth Leaders Forum 2026 welcomes 80 students at Kyushu University

January 20-21, 2026 — Kyushu University hosted the Korea-Japan Youth Leaders Forum 2026 on the Ito Campus, welcoming about 80 students from the Korean university student network GUKIN and Kyushu University. This marks the largest forum to date and the third time Kyushu University has served as the host.

The initiative has been carried out in Korea for nearly 20 years, fostering mutual understanding and friendship among younger generations through dialogue. In 2025, Kyushu University and GUKIN signed a Memorandum of Understanding, designating Kyushu University as the sole institution in Japan to host this annual forum.

This year, Kyushu University issued its first campuswide call for participants, resulting in a significant increase in student participation from 5 last year to 34. Korean participation was also higher than usual, contributing to the largest gathering to date.

Day 1: Campus experiences and first connections

Participants began the forum with a visit to the Center for Organic Photonics and Electronics Research (OPERA), where they received an introduction to ongoing research activities. This was followed by a campus tour led by Kyushu University students, allowing participants to explore key campus facilities while engaging naturally in conversation.

The day concluded with a welcome dinner featuring a casual communication challenge: students were encouraged to speak with at least three peers from the other country, using English, Japanese, and Korean. The warm, multilingual exchanges helped ease early nerves and built a strong foundation for the discussions on Day 2.

Day 2: Dialogue, debate, and shared inquiry

Day 2 opened at the Jonathan KS Choi Cultural Centre of Japan on the Ito Campus with welcoming remarks by Vice President for International Affairs Natalie Konomi, who encouraged participants to broaden their comfort zones and prioritize understanding over linguistic perfection. A presentation introducing Kyushu University by Assistant Professor Hyunjung Bang and a mini-lecture titled “The Tsushima Warm Current Connecting Environment and Culture—Marine Debris, Migratory Birds, and Coastal Fisheries” by Associate Professor Satoko Seino sparked active discussion and set the tone for the main forum. During lunch, mixed groups of students from both countries toured the campus together, fostering further informal exchange.

Youth Leaders Forum: What does leadership mean in the 21st century?

This year’s overarching theme was: “What defines global leadership in the 21st century, and how can youth-driven cultural understanding be deepened?”

The program featured mixed-country debates, keynote-style student presentations, and group discussions. Before the sessions began, GUKIN representative Professor Jaehong Kim encouraged students to embrace agility, sincerity, and the rapid changes shaping today’s world. Former Korean Foreign Minister Myung-hwan Yu also attended and stressed the importance of face-to-face exchange in strengthening bilateral cooperation.

Discussion 1: Rethinking leadership

Student speakers from both countries explored leadership beyond authority—emphasizing co-creation, consistency in values, and the importance of courage and empathy in international dialogue. Commentators from Kyushu University reflected on how consistent, value-based leadership fosters long-term trust.

KU keynote: Nene Hamajima, second-year student, School of Agriculture
KU commentator: Yusei Omori, fourth-year student, School of Interdisciplinary Science and Innovation (ISI)

Discussion 2: Cultural perspectives on leadership

Speakers examined how everyday interpersonal interactions—such as shared living experiences or informal dialogues—shape leadership. Discussions highlighted the need for genuine, curiosity-driven cultural exchange, moving beyond group-based interactions toward building friendships at the individual level.

KU keynote: Shotaro Uchida, second-year student, ISI
KU commentator: Hiraku Arimura, fourth-year student, School of Economics

Newly introduced group discussions

For the first time, students participated in mixed-country group work, developing ideas around the question: “What kind of global leader do you aspire to become?” Each group presented its ideas in a one-minute pitch, showcasing a rich variety of perspectives.

Cultural program and closing

After the forum, participants visited Futamigaura, a famous sight located in the north of Itoshima city within Genkai Quasi-National Park, to take commemorative photos by the sea. In the evening, they enjoyed their free time and had dinner in the Tenjin area―the heart of business, tourism, and fashion on Kyushu island―strengthening their friendships in a more casual setting.

In closing remarks, Executive Vice President for International Affairs Kenji Iwata reminded students that this forum marks “a beginning, not an end,” encouraging them to maintain relationships and continue contributing to the long-term Korea-Japan friendship fostered through this program.

Looking ahead

As Kyushu University continues to serve as Japan’s sole host of this binational youth forum, the university remains committed to empowering young leaders to cultivate mutual understanding, cultural insight, and collaborative leadership—starting with each encounter.

Contact

Natalie Konomi, Vice President / Professor, Global Strategies Office
Email: konomi.natalie.909★m.kyushu-u.ac.jp

Global Partnership and Alliance, International Affairs Division, International Affairs Department
Email: intlsenryaku★jimu.kyushu-u.ac.jp

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