In 2021, as the world faced the COVID-19 pandemic and international conflicts, we were reminded of the importance of addressing global issues with a worldwide perspective. The Sakura Science Exchange Program, implemented by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), aims to create a foundation for the future by fostering exchange between young talents from Japan and abroad through science and technology.
(From the Sakura Science Exchange Program website)
Countries share the future challenge of promoting research and development and transforming results into innovations. In 2014, the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) started the "Sakura Science Program." Since then, the program has invited talented young human resources for short-term visits to Japan, giving them the opportunity to experience Japan's cutting-edge science and technology as well as its culture. The Sakura Science Program's objectives include:

1. To support the development of talented human resources from overseas who have the potential to contribute to innovation in science and technology.
2. To Accelerate the international brain cycle.
3. To promote continuous collaboration, cooperation and interaction between Japanese educational and research institutes and overseas ones.
4. To strengthen good relationship between Japan and other countries and regions that will help science and technology diplomacy.

The Open Science Community (OSC) is a new international student acceptance scheme established by J.F. Oberlin University (JFOU), created in alignment with the framework of the Sakura Science Exchange Program. In the face of challenges to traditional face-to-face exchanges, OSC adopted a hybrid approach that combines both online and in-person interactions. This allowed us to continue fostering exchanges with students and researchers from around the world, even amidst travel restrictions, and created new opportunities for collaboration.

In particular, OSC has promoted discussions and collaborative research across a wide range of academic fields, with "Science" as its keyword. Through the Sakura Science Exchange Program, students and young researchers invited to the program have enhanced their international perspectives and problem-solving abilities by tackling global social issues. Furthermore, our university's faculty, staff, and students have had the opportunity to learn from diverse international viewpoints while playing an important role in sharing Japan's technology and culture.
These efforts have not only led to academic exchanges but have also made significant contributions to the development of future global leaders. The collaboration between OSC and the Sakura Science Exchange Program is becoming a new model for international exchange in the post-COVID era. The success behind this initiative lies in the flexible framework and strong support of the Sakura Science Exchange Program, which has supported the challenges and achievements of each participant.

We plan to not only continue with the Sakura Science Exchange Program but also to develop our own unique programs based on the achievements gained through this initiative. We will share these results with the many students, universities, companies, and organizations that have been supported by the Sakura Science Program. Building on the outcomes of these efforts, we aim to further develop our own programs. Through science and technology, we will deepen international exchange and contribute to the realization of a more sustainable and peaceful society.