Okayama University's Kanto Alumni Meeting Enhances Connections Among Graduates

On May 20, 2025, the Okayama University Kanto Alumni Association held its first meeting of the year at the "Tottori-Okayama Shimbashi-kan" located in Minato, Tokyo. This gathering was part of the ongoing initiatives of the Okayama University Alumni organization, aimed at strengthening bonds among graduates and facilitating information exchange.

The meeting was organized by the Tokyo branch of the alumni association and attracted a diverse group of 29 alumni from various faculties and graduate schools. Among those in attendance were Keiichi Konaga, the president of the Alumni Association, Okayama University's President Yoshitomo Nasu, and Masaki Kawamoto, the Director of Research and Innovation Co-creation Management. The event was smoothly conducted by Shinjo Hasegawa, an officer of the meeting and a graduate of the Faculty of Law.

In his opening remarks, President Nasu expressed gratitude for the continued support from alumni. He shared exciting news about Ryuichiro Ishimoto, a third-year student from the Faculty of Education, who has been selected to represent Japan in the 2025 Tokyo Deaflympics. He also highlighted the university's recent reforms aimed at establishing it as a research-first institution, including the announcement of a new personnel policy and the construction of innovative facilities supported by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology under the J-PEAKS program.

Furthermore, Vice President Yoshinori Sato provided updates about the university's activities based on the university's monthly newsletter, "Ichou Namiki." He also encouraged attendees to support an ongoing crowdfunding initiative aimed at producing educational resources for medically complex children.

After a lively exchange of recent updates among participants, President Konaga concluded the meeting by sharing his experiences as a former bureaucrat who worked alongside former Prime Minister Kakuei Tanaka. He reflected on his insights from a successful career and expressed his commitment to continue fostering collaboration among alumni in support of the university's growth. Konaga emphasized the importance of aligning the alumni association's efforts with the university's dynamic progress to strengthen its community.

This meeting is open to all alumni, regardless of their faculty or department, and offered a valuable platform for reconnecting with peers. The next meeting is set to take place on September 22, 2025, in Tokyo, and the Tokyo branch’s general meeting is scheduled for July 19, 2025, at TKP Garden City Premium Kyobashi.

In closing, President Nasu expressed his delight in connecting with alumni during this inaugural session of the year, stating that discussions with successful graduates provide him with insights not only for university management but also for his own personal development. He looks forward to meeting more alumni at future gatherings, strongly believing that together, they can keep advancing Okayama University as a leading research institution.

For those interested in alumni activities, more information can be found at the Okayama University Alumni Association's official website.

Additional Resources

For more information on Okayama University and its alumni activities, visit the following links:

The meeting reflects Okayama University’s commitment to fostering a strong alumni network that continues to support the institution's growth and innovation well into the future.