#Japan #Okayama #Okayama University #J-PEAKS #JSPS

Overview of the Site Visit

On January 18, 2026, Okayama University welcomed 35 representatives from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, and other relevant stakeholders for a site visit as part of the J-PEAKS initiative. This site visit aimed to assess the progress of the university's projects and identify areas for improvement. An online stream of the event allowed more than 100 participants to join from within the university.

During the site visit, the JSPS team provided multifaceted feedback on Okayama University's initiatives, including in-depth discussions with university liaisons to enable rapid advancement of the J-PEAKS program as well as the formation of research universities across Japan. This year’s visit deviated from previous formats that often included facility tours; instead, all time was dedicated to presentations and exchanges focused on organizational and institutional reforms.

One notable shift was the casual dress code, adopted not only by Okayama University staff but also requested from the visitors to promote informal discussions and equal participation among all attendees.

Presentations and Discussions

The university's president, Dr. Yoshitomo Nasu, along with Dr. Norihito Saito, the university liaison for J-PEAKS, provided an overview of the university’s initiatives aimed at transforming its organizational structure by enhancing the roles of administrative and technical staff through higher appointments and the development of specialized professionals. They addressed how such reforms could foster innovation through the establishment of an Advanced Research Institute, as explicitly stated in the “Okayama University Research University Declaration.”

In responses to prior questions from Dr. Akira Fujimaki of Nagoya University, the team engaged in lively discussions about internal resource allocation, the restructuring of the university's support system (URA), and the composition of research centers. Presiding over the discussions, Dr. Nasu elaborated on various projects aimed at innovation, such as initiatives in forestry through digital transformation (DX), tourism-driven student ventures, and the micro-step study developed by Professor Takafumi Terasawa from the Graduate School of Education.

Highlights and Future Endeavors

The session concluded with remarks from Dr. Fujimaki, emphasizing the novelty of dedicating an entire site visit to dialogue rather than facility tours, highlighting the significance of the exchange. Moving forward, he expressed optimism about Okayama University’s ability to advance reform initiatives before the program's conclusion.

J-PEAKS is an initiative designed to cultivate a robust network of research universities that drive national scientific and academic excellence. Okayama University is deeply committed to this vision, aligning its long-term goals with the overall mission of contributing to global innovation while co-creating a sustainable future.

The Commitment of Okayama University

In his closing comments, Dr. Nasu reiterated that the substantial focus on discussing institutional reforms stems from comprehensive feedback collected from various engagements during previous site visits. This rigorous exchange of ideas allows Okayama University to refine its systems continuously, creating a dynamic learning environment. The university embodies the principle of “Fueki-Ryukou”—embracing constant change and flexibility to redirect its efforts toward collaborative growth, expecting further expansion of its impact beyond local confines.

Deputy Director Dr. Saito reiterated the need for urgency in adopting innovative changes in response to society's evolving demands, stressing the importance of moving with agility to harness new opportunities presented through the J-PEAKS program. The outcomes of this visit are anticipated with hopeful anticipation for impactful developments that align with the aspirations of a research-oriented university.

As Okayama University continues to meet the challenges posed by the modern academic landscape, stakeholders can expect proactive strategies and initiatives focused on enhancing research capabilities and fostering innovation.