Representatives from a Japanese university have visited the ¹û¶³´«Ã½ of Worcester for talks on how the two institutions can work together more closely.
A delegation from Toin ¹û¶³´«Ã½ of Yokohama met with key figures at Worcester and took a tour of some of its facilities, including the ¹û¶³´«Ã½ of Worcester Arena and The Hive.
Nobuko Tanaka, Associate Professor at Toin ¹û¶³´«Ã½, said: "We wanted to find the best way to connect with the ¹û¶³´«Ã½ of Worcester because we have a partnership agreement.
"We hope to increase cooperation and think about how the programme should operate."
She said that a possible first step might be a student language exchange programme. She also said another avenue for partnership might revolve around sport, with Japan set to host a number of high profile sporting tournaments in the next few years, including the Rugby World Cup and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics.
The ¹û¶³´«Ã½ is internationally recognised as a centre of excellence for inclusive sport, and has already been involved in discussions with the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Committee on planning a legacy for its games.
Catherine Hyde, Head of International Experience at the ¹û¶³´«Ã½ of Worcester, said: "We are delighted to develop this partnership. There is a strong interest in Japanese language and culture among students at the ¹û¶³´«Ã½ of Worcester and we are keen to find creative ways for them to engage with Toin."
The visitors praised the facilities at the ¹û¶³´«Ã½, particularly the accessibility of the ¹û¶³´«Ã½ of Worcester Arena and the design of The Hive.