Morocco–Japan: Academic Exchange Strengthens Cooperation on Resilience and Post-Disaster Reconstruction

Academic cooperation between Japan and Morocco took a significant step forward in January with the successful completion of a Sakura Science Exchange program bringing students and faculty from the International University of Rabat (UIR) to Keio University in Tokyo. The initiative reflects a shared ambition to strengthen research and education around resilience, disaster preparedness, and post-disaster reconstruction at a time when climate-related risks are intensifying worldwide.

Over eight days, a group of seven architecture students and one professor from UIR’s Higher School of Architecture took part in an immersive academic program hosted by Keio University’s Graduate School of Media and Governance at the Shonan Fujisawa Campus. Supported by the Japan Science and Technology Agency, the exchange offered participants direct exposure to Japan’s advanced approaches to risk management, particularly in earthquake preparedness and resilient urban planning.

Rather than focusing solely on seismic hazards, the program adopted a broader perspective on disaster risk, addressing floods, inundations, and other natural threats increasingly shaped by climate change. Through lectures, workshops, and field activities, students examined how interdisciplinary research, digital tools, and architectural design can respond to complex and evolving risk environments.

The exchange builds on a long-standing academic relationship between Keio University and UIR, led by Dr. Aqil Cheddadi and Dr. Safiya El Ghmari. Developed over more than a year, the program reflects a joint commitment to applied research and international knowledge exchange between the two institutions.

During their stay in Japan, participants engaged with specialists in disaster governance, urban policy, and community-based reconstruction. Design studios explored resilience in both historical and contemporary Japanese contexts, while particular attention was given to the growing role of parametric design and artificial intelligence in collaborative and self-building strategies.

Students were also encouraged to critically reflect on what they observed. Each participant delivered analytical presentations linking Japanese best practices to Moroccan realities and to broader Global South contexts. Topics ranged from construction technologies and resilient urban form to post-disaster architectural responses and governance models.

The program combined academic learning with professional exposure. Visits to a major Japanese construction company’s technical research center allowed students to discover cutting-edge seismic response technologies, while a meeting with Shigeru Ban Architects offered insight into humanitarian architecture and emergency housing solutions.

One of the most impactful moments of the exchange came through hands-on collaboration with Professor Hiroto Kobayashi and his team at Veneer House Inc. Working directly on physical models and design concepts, students contributed to architectural prototypes intended for future development in Al Haouz, Morocco, as part of an ongoing post-earthquake reconstruction project.

By blending education, research, and real-world engagement, the Sakura Science Exchange at Keio University highlighted Japan’s integrated approach to resilience while reinforcing long-term academic ties with Morocco. The initiative lays the groundwork for future joint projects in architectural education and socially engaged design, strengthening a partnership rooted in shared challenges and collective expertise.

Amine Edmar/le7tv