On December 8, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Japan, John V. Roos, visited Chuo University for a uniquely intimate and informal talk with students. Choosing to stay until all the students’ questions had been answered, Ambassador Roos stayed for more than an hour and a half beyond his planned departure, taking questions even after leaving the discussion hall.

Before joining the students Ambassador Roos also had the opportunity to meet and chat with President and Chancellor, Tadahiko Fukuhara, Vice President Wakabayashi, and Director of the International Center, Stephen Hesse. From the President’s office the Ambassador moved to the C-Square Student Center where, after a brief introduction from Professor Hesse, Ambassador Roos took the lead and led a lively and engaging dialogue with about 50 Chuo students.

Throughout the discussions Ambassador Roos was warm and courteous, taking time to clarify the students’ questions and answering queries on a wide range of issues, including the US military bases in Okinawa, participation in the TPP, the benefits of study abroad, diplomacy skills, and the future of Asia, to name a just a few. Again and again throughout the discussion, Ambassador Roos reiterated his respect and affection for Japan and his keen desire to support and encourage Japanese students to become more global in their studies and their career plans. Several times the Ambassador urged the students to “Dream big!” and to look abroad for study opportunities while still in university.

As the discussion drew to a close, Ambassador Roos thanked the students for their thoughtful, fair and challenging questions and urged them, for the future of Japan, to have big dreams, to take on personal and professional challenges, and not to be afraid of taking risks. In this way, he assured the students, the future of Japan and Asia would be bright.

The dialogue with the Ambassador was co-hosted by Chuo University and the Chuo Students Association as an academic project marking the 100th Anniversary of the Student Association. For those who participated in the dialogue, as well as for those who watched the live video-feed in an adjoining lecture hall and those who helped organize this special event, the 150 minutes they shared with Ambassador Roos will remain an unforgettable experience.