Meiji Gakuin University is a Christian university in Tokyo and Yokohama that was established in 1863. The Reverend Dr. James Curtis Hepburn was one of its founders and served as the first president. On Friday, May 29, Meiji Gakuin University welcomed Hope College’s President Knapp and Associate Provost Gonzales for a ceremony celebrating the 50th anniversary. On November 3-4, Hope College will hold two days of events commemorating the 50 years of exchanges. With representatives of Meiji Gakuin University in attendance, including President Udono and Vice-President Yoshii, the events will look back on 50 years of friendship while reaffirming both institutions’ commitment to further developing the partnership in the future.