Okayama University Partners with PMI Japan to Enhance Project Management Education

Strengthening Project Management Education in Japan

On January 19, 2026, Okayama University, located in Okayama City, established a partnership with the Project Management Institute (PMI) Japan, enhancing the educational framework in project management. The signing ceremony took place at the PMI Japan headquarters in Tokyo under the guidance of Deputy Chairman Shingo Fujii.

The agreement aims to cultivate human resources skilled in research and development management, thereby contributing to Japan's scientific advancement. Vice President Nobuhito Sato introduced the collaboration's goals, emphasizing the need for a robust knowledge worker framework to generate innovations from academia.

During the ceremony, PMI Japan's Chairman Takashi Hayama and Okayama University's President Yasutomo Nasu signed the agreement. Hayama underscored PMI's commitment to not only executing projects successfully but also to co-creating value with stakeholders. He expressed optimism about contributing to a significant societal impact through the development of research-based management talent.

This collaboration is not new. Over the years, PMI Japan has supported various initiatives at Okayama University, including fundamental project management training for faculty and staff, and the prestigious PM Award for recognition of outstanding projects. This engagement illustrates the long-term commitment from both institutions to uplift project management practices within Japanese academia.

Last year, Okayama University was selected as a training provider by the Ministry of Education, leading to the initiation of the “Research and Development Management Talent System Development Project.” This is a significant milestone as it marks the first formal implementation of PMI activities within Japanese academia. The recent agreement aims to further strengthen cooperation between the two organizations to cement project management principles deeply within academic institutions.

Furthermore, this initiative will focus on nurturing a new generation of high-level professionals and knowledge workers, endorsing innovative value creation in society. President Nasu expressed gratitude to Hayama and Fujii for their contributions to this collaboration. He acknowledged the urgent need for project management expertise in Japanese universities, which has become even more critical amid recent advancements in educational methodologies.

The collaboration between Okayama University and PMI Japan embodies a proactive approach to address pressing educational challenges. This partnership signifies a commitment to adapting and advancing in the field of project management, treating this endeavor as one of ongoing project management in itself, aimed at continuously moving forward.

Exciting developments can be anticipated from this collaboration. The agreement not only reflects their shared vision but also cements a commitment to strengthen project management as an essential aspect of academic development in Japan. With this partnership, both institutions are poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of project management education and management talent in Japan.

Join us in looking forward to the innovative pathways this partnership will forge as both Okayama University and PMI Japan work together to enhance project management education across the country.