On 14 April 2010, to mark the first anniversary of the opening of its Japan Office in Tokyo, the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) held a two hour bi-national panel discussion entitled "Early Independence for Young Researchers in Germany and Japan".

As a panellist representing young Japanese researchers, Associate Prof. Shoji Komai discussed the following issues with other panelists, including Prof. Eckart Rühl of the Free University of Berlin: "Early Independence or Mentoring?", "Are Young Group Leaders Forming the Faculties of Tomorrow?" and "What Role Should Government and Funding Organizations Play in the Future?"
NAIST Vice president Kiyomi Kakiuchi also attended the ceremony on behalf of President Isogai.

After welcome remarks by Director of the DFG Office Japan Dr. Iris Wieczorek, German Ambassador to Tokyo Dr. Volker Stanzel offered a few opening remarks. Executive Member of the Council for Science and Technology Policy, Government of Japan Prof. Tasuku Honjo then delivered the keynote speech. More than 140 representatives from the science and science-policy community in Japan attended the event.

DFG website