The President at the Lithuania-Japan Science Forum: A common vision of rapid progress brings us together

On Tuesday, President Gitanas Nausėda participated in the Lithuania-Japan Science Forum at Waseda University in Tokyo and congratulated the national archives of Lithuania and Japan on the establishment of institutional relations.

"Today, we are united by a shared vision-a powerful wish for a swift advance in the fields of science, high-tech, and innovation. There is no other way to create a sustainable future for both countries," said the Head of State, expressing gratitude to Waseda University, the Research Council of Lithuania, and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) for organizing such a significant and meaningful event.

The President emphasized that collaboration between Lithuanian and Japanese scientists is already yielding results in the fields of life sciences and advanced technologies. Promising opportunities for cooperation are also emerging in the blue economy, where the experience of Japanese researchers is particularly valuable. Lithuania remains dedicated to expanding joint research initiatives in artificial intelligence, laser technology, nanotechnology, and renewable energy.

President Gitanas Nausėda noted the symbolic significance of holding the Lithuania-Japan Science Forum at Waseda University, where Chiune Sugihara-the Japanese diplomat who, during World War II, issued "visas for life" to thousands of Jews facing mortal danger in Kaunas-spent his study years.

"Let it serve as a reminder that any responsible science must grow out of a strong moral foundation," said the Head of State, expressing hope that the Lithuania-Japan Science Forum will become an annual tradition that strengthens the ties between scientists in both countries.

More than 30 representatives from Lithuanian universities, research institutes, the Research Council of Lithuania, and government institutions are participating in the Forum. The event features presentations on the outcomes of five completed Lithuanian-Japanese joint research projects, as well as announcements of new opportunities for joint research initiatives.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Head of State also attended an event dedicated to enhancing cooperation between the national archives of Lithuania and Japan. A Memorandum of Cooperation was signed by Inga Zakšauskienė, Chief Archivist of Lithuania, and Kaoru Kamata, President of the National Archives of Japan.

"The signing of this memorandum marks an important step forward in collaboration between Lithuanian and Japanese institutions and specialists dedicated to historical memory. I am confident that this partnership will lead to important discoveries. Diplomatic relations between Lithuania and Japan were established over a century ago, and the archives of both countries hold extensive amounts of valuable material, the study of which will shed new light on the history of our diplomatic, economic, and cultural relations," said the President, adding that cultural and scientific diplomacy plays a vital role in international relations.