#Japan #Okayama #Okayama University #J-PEAKS #Shinshu University

Second Joint Symposium of Shinshu and Okayama Universities

On October 27, 2025, Okayama University and Shinshu University hosted the second joint symposium themed "Research Organizational Strategies and Management at J-PEAKS Universities" at the Aqua Regeneration Collaborative Research Center in Shinshu University. Over 30 participants, including attendees from Kanazawa University, took part in this event.

This symposium was aimed at sharing experiences and challenges among the two universities, which have been selected for the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology's J-PEAKS initiative, designed to enhance the research capabilities and collaborative efforts of distinctive core universities. As the second iteration of this symposium, it created a platform for meaningful dialogue about the future of research at both institutions.

The event began with an address by Soichiro Nakamura, the President of Shinshu University, who expressed the desire to expand research and social contribution activities from Shinshu, the center of Japan. Following this, presentations were given by Nobuhiro Sugihara, Vice President of Shinshu University, and Katsuya Teshima, Director of the Aqua Regeneration Organization, detailing the evolution of advanced multidisciplinary research groups and the operational framework of the Aqua Regeneration Organization. They shared insights into the establishment of research bases and forthcoming challenges in managing the organization.

From Okayama University, Masanori Kawamoto, Deputy Director of the Research and Innovation Co-Creation Organization, and Seiji Yamamoto, Head of the Research Collaboration Division, presented an overview of the newly established research institutes and groups at Okayama University, alongside their future aspirations. They elaborated on the designation of research groups within the Advanced Research Institute and highlighted the four research institutes located there. Additionally, Shinichi Nakamura, a Director at Kanazawa University and Takashi Yoneda, Director of the Advanced Tourism Science Research Institute, discussed the innovative integration of humanities and medical sciences for tourism science advancement.

A roundtable session facilitated by Tatsuya Doi, an Associate Professor at Shinshu University, hosted lively discussions among participants about the establishment of research bases leveraging their strengths, facilitating opportunities for young researchers, and the ideal characteristics of research support and administrative organizations aligned with the mission of J-PEAKS.

The knowledge acquired from this symposium will be pivotal in strengthening research organization and fostering collaboration in future endeavors. Okayama University is dedicated to creating innovative research outcomes that contribute to global advancements, alongside a reinforced commitment to nurturing the next generation of researchers. The efforts of both Okayama University, a core regional university, and Shinshu University, part of the J-PEAKS initiative, are expected to continue making significant impacts.

President Yasuyuki Nasu remarked on the value of sharing important examples and challenges related to research organizational strategies, affirming that this symposium represents a big step forward in the J-PEAKS initiative. He noted that while competition among universities has historically created invisible barriers, their recognition as J-PEAKS universities drives a spirit of collaboration where collective strengths and wisdom will be harnessed toward greater goals. He also emphasized that the lively discussions at this symposium offered vital insights for future university reforms and the enhancement of research organizations.

Moving forward, Okayama University aims to deepen its collaboration with the J-PEAKS selected universities, including Shinshu and Kanazawa Universities, and to actively engage in continuous change and challenge as a research university contributing to social transformation for the future of both regions and the planet.

Photos from the Event

• - Soichiro Nakamura, President of Shinshu University addresses the audience.
• - Seiji Yamamoto, Head of the Research Division, delivering his presentation.
• - Masanori Kawamoto, answering questions during the Q&A session.
• - A glimpse of the roundtable discussion session.

References

• - Aqua Regeneration Organization at Shinshu University
• - Okayama University's Advanced Research Institute

For more information about the J-PEAKS initiative and Okayama University’s commitment to innovative research and development, please visit the official websites.