Hokkaido University traces its origins to Sapporo Agricultural College, which was founded with the appointment of Dr. William Smith Clark from the Massachusetts Agricultural College, now the University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass Amherst), as its Vice Principal. Even after 150 years, the relationship between the two universities continues to thrive. 

To commemorate the 150th anniversary of Hokkaido University, Hokkaido University and UMass Amherst jointly produced a video reflecting on the shared history of the two institutions. The video premiered at the 150th Anniversary Ceremony held on September 26 and is now available on YouTube so that it can be enjoyed by a wider audience for years to come. 

We invite you to watch the video and explore a remarkable story of friendship, collaboration, and connection spanning a century and a half. 

https://youtu.be/V1_ig0FIGiY

Enquiries: Office for International Collaborations (Attn. Uemura / taenau[at]oia.hokudai.ac.jp)

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Video Credits 

Produced jointly by Hokkaido University and UMass Amherst in celebration of the 150th anniversary of Hokkaido University. 

With special thanks to all contributors who helped tell the story of this enduring partnership. 

Hokkaido University 

• Kiyohiro Houkin – President of Hokkaido University 
• Atsushi Yokota – Vice President of Hokkaido University 
• Jian Ping Gong – Professor of Polymer Science 
• Yoichiro Hoshino – Professor of Horticultural Crop Breeding 
• Taena Uemura – Project Lead 
• Hokkaido University Archives 

UMass Amherst 

• Javier Reyes – Chancellor of the University of Massachusetts Amherst 
• Laura Vandenberg – Associate Vice Chancellor and Vice Provost for Research & Engagement 
• Michael Fox – Dean of the College of Natural Sciences 
• Katharine Kahl – Director of the UMass Amherst Gloucester Marine Station 
• E. Bryan Coughlin – Professor of Polymer Science and Engineering 
• Mario Longo-Imbimbo – Narration (UMass College of Humanities and Fine Arts) 
• Paula Ribeiro 
• Kristen Barry-George 
• Lisa Ryan 

UMass System 

• Marty Meehan – President of the University of Massachusetts System 

ELEMENT Productions (USA) 

• Eran Lobel – Executive Producer 
• Kristen Kearns – Executive Producer 
• CJ Kaplan – Creative Director, Copy 
• Jonah Hulbert – Creative Director, Art 
• Jessica Wade – Creative Manager 
• Tom Foley – Director / Producer 
• Jaime Jackson – Production Coordinator 
• Tom Fitzgerald – Director of Photography 
• Satya Sullivan – Assistant Camera 
• Eric Saltzman – Assistant Camera & Drone Operator 
• Jake Fay – Gaffer 
• Dylan Castora – Audio 
• Miriam Olken – Production Assistant 
• Jean Carney – Makeup Artist 
• Kim Kelley – Head of Post Production 
• Laura Green – Editor 
• Chris Santo – Colorist 
• Andrés Osorno – Assistant Editor 
• Antonio Figueroa – Post Coordinator 
• Tom Love – Audio Engineer 

CIZEN, Inc. (Japan) 

• Takahiro Uchida – Production Coordinator 
• Daisuke Minami – Creative Manager 
• Shinya Nakagawa – Creative Director and Editor 
• Ryuji Takahashi – Director of Photography