The Kansai Regional University Fair (KRUF) started as a partnership between Ristumeikan-Uji Secondary School in Kyoto and Canadian Academy (CA) in Kobe - both located in the Kansai region of western Japan. The event has since grown to include invitations to all local and international high school students throughout western and southern Japan. Senri and Osaka International Schools of Kwansei Gakuin (SOIS) are also partners now. CA and OIS now alternate responsibilities for hosting the fair each year.

The first KRUF event took place in September 2017 at Ritsumeikan-Uji Secondary School. Twenty-five universities from five countries were present. The second event in September 2018 at Canadian Academy hosted over 90 universities from a dozen countries. Over 400 students and families from 10 different schools in Japan participated. The third event in September 2019 at Osaka International School continued with the same level of enthusiasm from our participating universities and students.

Although KRUF 2020 and 2021 have been canceled because of COVID-19, we remain committed to connecting universities with students in western and southern Japan.

The Kanto Plain College Fair (KPCF) began as a collaboration between St. Mary’s International School and the American School in Japan as a way for international students in the Kanto area to learn more about universities overseas.

As the event has grown over the past 30 years, the number of university representatives has greatly expanded to include over 190 visiting institutions and students from over 20 international schools in the area. Starting in 2018, the fair has been held at Hiroo Gakuen Junior and Senior High School.

Due to COVID-19, KPCF could not be held in 2020 and 2021, it is our hope that online webinars give participating students and universities a chance to make connections. We are looking forward to holding future events in person to continue this successful event.