National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) reinforced its presence in Japan by participating in the 2025 Okinawa Taiwan Study Abroad Education Fair, organized by the Taiwan Education Center in Japan. Held on November 29–30 at the Okinawa Prefectural Library in Naha, the event attracted high school students, parents, and educators from Naha City and surrounding areas. Okinawa, with its geographic proximity to Taiwan, cultural affinity, and increasing interest in international education—now further boosted by direct flights to Tainan—remains a key recruitment region for NCKU.
 

Representatives from 15 leading Taiwan Universities at the 2025 Okinawa Taiwan Study Abroad Education Fair.

At the two-day fair, NCKU’s booth drew strong attention. NCKU representatives, led by Prof. Sherry Shu-Jung Hu, Associate Vice President for International Affairs, provided consultations on academic programs, tuition and scholarships, language requirements, housing, and student life. Japanese-language presentations, visual materials, and live interpretation greatly supported in-depth discussions with visitors. With a majority from well-known local high schools, including Okinawa Shogaku High School, Naha Nishi High School, Okinawa Technical High School, and Kyuyo High School, students and parents showed particular interest in Foreign Languages and Literature and Psychology programs. Their key concerns were tuition, dormitories, the campus environment, and language preparation. Many parents were impressed by NCKU’s competitive tuition and Tainan’s affordable cost of living.
 

NCKU OIA representatives provide one-on-one consultations on academic programs, scholarships, and student life at the NCKU booth.

A highlight of the second day was the visit by Mr. Ruei-Feng Wang, Director General of the Naha Branch of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Japan, who expressed encouragement and recognition of NCKU’s sustained efforts in overseas recruitment and Taiwan–Japan higher education exchange.
 

Director General Wang of the Naha Branch of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Japan visits the NCKU booth and exchanges views with the delegation.

Following the fair, the delegation visited two prominent Okinawan Mandarin language schools specializing in Taiwan study counseling. At Okinawa Chinese Language School & Taiwan Study Consultant “Chatroom”, led by Ms. Yu-Wen Tsai, discussions focused on student motivations, language preparation, scholarship communications, and parental concerns. Ms. Tsai shared practical insights, including previous successful student placements at NCKU, and expressed a strong interest in organizing a campus visit in 2026. The delegation then visited the Chinese School of Okinawa, where an NCKU introduction session was conducted. Two students expressed firm intentions to apply for the upcoming intake, reflecting the effectiveness of local engagement.
 

NCKU OIA representatives with Ms. Tsai, Managing Director of Okinawa Chinese Language School & Taiwan Study Consultant, “Chatroom”.
 

 
Classroom outreach at Chinese School OKINAWA, where students actively engage with NCKU representatives and explore study opportunities in Taiwan.

Through the education fair and targeted local language school visits, NCKU continues to strengthen its visibility in Okinawa, laying the groundwork for sustainable recruitment channels and deeper Taiwan–Japan academic exchanges.