The University of Rochester welcomed representatives from Hamamatsu, Japan, October 7–11, 2026 as part of the ongoing sister-city relationship between Hamamatsu and Rochester. The delegation included Mayor Nakano and representatives from Hamamatsu City Hall and City Council, along with Dr. Miho Yamashita of Hamamatsu University School of Medicine (HUSM).
Building Connections Across Institutions
During their visit, the delegation met with Rochester city and URochester representatives and participated in cultural activities, exploring opportunities to strengthen collaboration in education, medicine, cultural exchange, and regional development. Dr. Yamashita brought a signed memorandum of understanding (MOU) between HUSM and the University of Rochester, establishing a two-year framework to explore collaboration in education, research, and service. The partnership will focus on opportunities such as student and faculty exchange, joint research, and academic programming in areas including medicine, nursing, community health, bioethics, palliative care, and arts-based health outcomes. Dr. Yamashita also shared a letter from the HUSM president, and a video message, reinforcing the institutions’ commitment to continued collaboration.
The delegation also toured the Optics department within the Hajim School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, along with the Emergency Medicine Department at Strong Hospital and the School of Medicine & Dentistry. These visits provided an opportunity to learn more about the University of Rochester’s strengths in optics, engineering, medical education, and emergency care, while exploring areas of shared interest and potential future collaboration.
Creating Opportunities for the Next Generation
A key priority for Hamamatsu Mayor Nakano is making Hamamatsu “a city chosen by young people.” Like Rochester, Hamamatsu is working to attract and retain young people by strengthening university partnerships, creating employment pathways with local companies, and supporting young families. The delegation was interested in learning how the city of Rochester and URochester work together to create opportunities for students and early-career professionals to build their futures in the region.
Connecting Through Music and Cultural Exchange
Music education and cultural exchange were also central to the visit. Hamamatsu identified the Eastman School of Music as a key connection in the sister-city relationship, with potential opportunities including virtual music lessons and in-person master classes.
Looking Ahead: New Opportunities for Collaboration
The visit reflects the broader potential of the Hamamatsu–Rochester relationship to connect institutions, support cultural and educational exchange, and create new opportunities for collaboration across the University of Rochester and the Rochester community.