A series of commemorative events celebrating the 20th anniversary of academic exchange between Tokushima University and Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences (MNUMS), one of our academic exchange partners, was held in Mongolia. The delegation from Tokushima University, led by President Kawamura Yasuhiko, participated in the celebrations, providing a valuable opportunity to reflect on the two universities’ 20-year history of collaboration in education and research.

 During the visit, on June 4th (local time) the delegation paid a courtesy call on the Ministry of Health of Mongolia. At the Ministry, the delegation was warmly welcomed by State Secretary Erdenebayar Namjil, who earned his Ph.D. in Medicine at Tokushima University under the supervision of Professor Yasutomo Koji (Department of Immunology and Parasitology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences (currently Graduate School of Medicine). The meeting offered a chance to renew long-standing ties, and the State Secretary expressed his gratitude for Tokushima University’s longstanding contributions to Mongolia’s medical and public health sectors, along with his hopes for continued cooperation in the years ahead.
 
In recognition of Tokushima University’s significant contributions to Mongolia and MNUMS in the field of medical and dental education, three individuals—Professor Tanaka Eiji, Professor Emeritus Nishino Mizuho, and Vice President Murasawa Fumie (Public Relations)—received a Letter of Appreciation issued in the name of the Minister of Health of Mongolia.

■ Professor Tanaka Eiji (Department of Orthodontics)
 Since 2012, Professor Tanaka has visited Mongolia eight times, including delivering online seminars during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through lectures, workshops, and hands-on training sessions in orthodontics, he has made substantial contributions to the advancement of orthodontic care in Mongolia.

■ Professor Emeritus Nishino Mizuho (Pediatric Dentistry)
Professor Nishino has visited Mongolia 45 times, greatly contributing to the development of pediatric dentistry in the country. Notably, from 2006 to 2008, she resided in Mongolia, teaching dental students at MNUMS. In 2009, she played a central role in producing the first Mongolian-language dental textbook written by Mongolian dental students under her supervising. Her achievements have been highly acclaimed, earning her multiple state honors from the Government of Mongolia.

■ Vice President Murasawa Fumie (Public Relations)
Vice President Murasawa first visited Mongolia in 2005 as the international coordinator of the Faculty of Medicine, where she facilitated the signing of an inter-faculty academic exchange agreement. Since then, she has visited Mongolia more than 30 times, dedicating herself to strengthening academic and student exchanges and fostering the cooperative and friendly relationship between the two universities.

 The presentation of these Letters of Appreciation stands as a testament to the deep trust and friendship built over two decades between Tokushima University, Mongolia, and MNUMS. It also serves as a strong encouragement for further collaboration in the future.
 

At the Ministry of Health of Mongolia 
A courtesy call on State Secretary Erdenebayar (second from the right of the right side)


Prof. Tanaka (left) and State Secretary Erdenebayar


Prof. Emeritus Nishino (left) and State Secretary Erdenebayar


Vice President Murasawa (left ) and State Secretary Erdenebayar