Okayama University Establishes Maniwa Satellite Campus to Promote Forestry Education and Research
In a significant step towards enhancing educational and research opportunities in forestry, Okayama University has officially confirmed the establishment of the "Maniwa Satellite Campus" in collaboration with Maniwa City. This initiative was solidified with the signing of a memorandum on July 30, 2025, marking the beginning of a pivotal partnership aimed at developing a center for learning and research on wood, forestry, and wooden architecture in the region.
Okayama University, located in Okayama City and led by President Yasuyoshi Nasu, has recognized the potential of the northern Okayama Prefecture—an area known for its rich forestry industry. To facilitate this venture, the university formed a planning committee back in July 2020, with the aim of constructing a hub for education and research in the fields of wood materials and forestry, receiving unanimous support from Okayama Prefecture and related businesses.
By April 2022, the university had established a comprehensive partnership agreement with Maniwa City, leading to the development of various research activities through the Green Innovation Center. This collaboration has successfully engaged local businesses and organizations to nurture talent in forestry, contributing significantly to regional revitalization.
Following the closure of Kurashiki High School in Maniwa City in March 2024, the university has proposed utilizing a portion of the site as an "Educational and Research Zone for Wood, Forestry, and Wooden Architecture." This paved the way for Okayama University's establishment of the Maniwa Satellite Campus, which will serve as the core facility for this initiative.
During the signing ceremony, President Nasu and Mayor Ota of Maniwa City exchanged firm handshakes, symbolizing their commitment to this collaboration. President Nasu expressed his ambition to leverage regional resources to advance educational and research activities and to disseminate these results both domestically and internationally. He stated, "We look forward to contributing to the promotion of industries related to forestry, wood, and wooden construction, centered in our prefecture."
On the other hand, Mayor Ota underscored the initiative's potential to rejuvenate local vitality in mountainous regions that are experiencing population decline. He emphatically conveyed that this effort would not only create cyclical patterns of education and employment in the community but also contribute to sustainable economic circulation.
As preparations for the Maniwa Satellite Campus progress, stakeholders are optimistic about the development of a unique research university that will be a vital part of the region, enhancing industry-academic collaborations and innovative projects that are crucial for local and global sustainability goals.
For more details about the Maniwa Satellite Campus, please check the following link: Okayama University Green Innovation Center.
You can see the geographical positioning of Maniwa City in the provided Google Maps link. The official websites of Okayama University and Maniwa City offer further insights into their respective initiatives and collaborations.
Through such essential academic partnerships and projects, Okayama University reaffirms its commitment to sustainability, education, and community engagement, and it endeavors to be an essential player in regional and global innovation.
Okayama University, located in Okayama City and led by President Yasuyoshi Nasu, has recognized the potential of the northern Okayama Prefecture—an area known for its rich forestry industry. To facilitate this venture, the university formed a planning committee back in July 2020, with the aim of constructing a hub for education and research in the fields of wood materials and forestry, receiving unanimous support from Okayama Prefecture and related businesses.
By April 2022, the university had established a comprehensive partnership agreement with Maniwa City, leading to the development of various research activities through the Green Innovation Center. This collaboration has successfully engaged local businesses and organizations to nurture talent in forestry, contributing significantly to regional revitalization.
Following the closure of Kurashiki High School in Maniwa City in March 2024, the university has proposed utilizing a portion of the site as an "Educational and Research Zone for Wood, Forestry, and Wooden Architecture." This paved the way for Okayama University's establishment of the Maniwa Satellite Campus, which will serve as the core facility for this initiative.
During the signing ceremony, President Nasu and Mayor Ota of Maniwa City exchanged firm handshakes, symbolizing their commitment to this collaboration. President Nasu expressed his ambition to leverage regional resources to advance educational and research activities and to disseminate these results both domestically and internationally. He stated, "We look forward to contributing to the promotion of industries related to forestry, wood, and wooden construction, centered in our prefecture."
On the other hand, Mayor Ota underscored the initiative's potential to rejuvenate local vitality in mountainous regions that are experiencing population decline. He emphatically conveyed that this effort would not only create cyclical patterns of education and employment in the community but also contribute to sustainable economic circulation.
As preparations for the Maniwa Satellite Campus progress, stakeholders are optimistic about the development of a unique research university that will be a vital part of the region, enhancing industry-academic collaborations and innovative projects that are crucial for local and global sustainability goals.
For more details about the Maniwa Satellite Campus, please check the following link: Okayama University Green Innovation Center.
You can see the geographical positioning of Maniwa City in the provided Google Maps link. The official websites of Okayama University and Maniwa City offer further insights into their respective initiatives and collaborations.
Through such essential academic partnerships and projects, Okayama University reaffirms its commitment to sustainability, education, and community engagement, and it endeavors to be an essential player in regional and global innovation.
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