Meeting Held with Representatives of Digital Knowledge and Japan Digital University

Meeting Held with Representatives of Digital Knowledge and Japan Digital University

On June 17, 2026, a meeting was held with senior representatives of Japan’s Digital Knowledge Company and Japan Digital University. The Japanese delegation included Hiroaki Haga, President of Digital Knowledge and Founder of Japan Digital University; Toshiko Kondo, Member of the Board of Trustees; R. Mamajonov, Rector of Japan Digital University; Toshiyuki Kudo, Vice-Rector for Financial Affairs, Foreign Investment Attraction and Management; Yoko Watanabe, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs; J. Hikmatillaev, First Vice-Rector for Youth Affairs and Spiritual-Educational Work; and Legal Adviser J. Murodullaev.

The guests were welcomed on behalf of Uzbekistan State World Languages University by A. Nasirov, Vice-Rector for International Cooperation; M. Chutpo‘latov, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs; M. Hamraev, Vice-Rector for Finance and Economics; Kh. Yuldashev, Head of the International Cooperation Department; F. Rashidova, Head of the Joint Educational Programs Coordination Department; and Legal Counsel Sh. Abdiolaev.

During the meeting, three key issues were discussed.

The first issue concerned the use of the university campus currently leased by Japan Digital University and the extension of the lease agreement. Hiroaki Haga announced plans to attract additional investments to further develop the campus infrastructure. He emphasized that the construction of new facilities and their modernization in line with contemporary standards would depend on extending the lease period.

In response, M. Hamraev explained that, under current legislation, university buildings and land plots are leased through auctions for a six-year period, while lease agreements are reviewed annually based on tariff changes and the effectiveness of property use. He also noted that additional investments could contribute positively to resolving the issue. The parties agreed that the university administration would make a final decision after reviewing the draft agreement.

The second issue focused on the continuation of joint educational programs. The Japanese side expressed interest in maintaining cooperation due to the growing reputation of the university and its improving position in international rankings. F. Rashidova noted that the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation had not approved the joint programs with Japan Digital University because they did not fully comply with the requirements of the Cabinet of Ministers’ resolution. Instead, cooperation with a university ranked among the world’s Top 1000 institutions was recommended.

Hiroaki Haga stated that he would hold discussions with ministry officials to seek a positive resolution and emphasized the importance of having a representative of the university participate in those meetings.

The third issue concerned employment opportunities for university graduates in Japanese companies. Toshiyuki Kudo highlighted his extensive experience in this area and expressed readiness to provide practical assistance. Such support would include seminars, presentations, and professional training courses not only in the IT sector but also in other fields.

Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs M. Chutpo‘latov informed the participants that the university is working on implementing a “7+1” educational model from the next academic year, under which students will study languages for seven semesters and receive professional training during the final semester. If implemented, students specializing in Japanese language studies could also participate in this initiative.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continuing cooperation and advancing it to a new stage.