Manchester Metropolitan University deepens ties with Osaka Metropolitan University during Japan Week 2025, boosting international academic and research collaboration.
The landmark collaboration was formalised through a Letter of Intent that was signed at a ceremony on Friday 5 September 2025 as Manchester celebrates hosting the 50th anniversary of the international cultural festival.
Japan Week celebrates the heritage, arts, and innovation of Japan and is held annually in a different city, bringing together communities, institutions, and governments to promote cultural understanding and collaboration.
Delegates from Osaka Metropolitan University were welcomed by senior leaders at Manchester Met on Thursday 4 and Friday 5 September. The visit included a tour of the University’s world-class Institute of Sport (IoS) led by Professor Tim Cable, IoS Director and a tour of Manchester Met’s cutting-edge facilities at the Fuel Cell Innovation Centre led by Amer Gaffar, Director of Industrial Strategy Partnerships.
The Letter of Intent will strengthen joint research in health, science, and technology; create opportunities for student and staff exchanges; and develop innovation-led collaboration that will benefit both Greater Manchester and Osaka.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Malcolm Press CBE DL said: “We are honoured that Manchester has been chosen as the host city for Japan Week 2025 and proud that Manchester Met has been able to host and contribute to this important occasion. As a university that is home to a diverse international community, we value cultural exchange as part of the education experience we offer, and Japan Week gives us the chance to celebrate the richness of Japanese culture with our whole university community.
“The most significant aspect of the week for us is our growing relationship with Osaka Metropolitan University. Our Letter of Intent represents a real commitment to collaboration between our institutions, reflecting the values we share. Just as Osaka was once known as the ‘Manchester of the East’, both our institutions are rooted in cities with shared innovation and enterprise.
“Working in partnership with Osaka Metropolitan University will expand opportunities for our students and staff, giving them a truly international dimension to their work. We see Osaka Metropolitan as a partner that shares our ambition to improve lives through education and research, and to help solve the challenges faced by our societies.”
The initiative also included a roundtable meeting with local start-ups and civic leaders, attended by Mr. Hideyuki Yokoyama, Mayor of Osaka, and Mr. Kotaro Sugimura, President of Osaka City Council, alongside representatives from Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA).
The Letter of Intent lays the foundation for a continued long-term relationship that will not only benefit both universities but also contribute to the broader UK-Japan bilateral cooperation in education, research, and innovation. We are keen to explore more industry partnerships and research with Japanese institutions and looks forward to seeing relations continue.
AloJapan.com