#Japan #Okayama University #Okayama City #SDGs Fair #BIZEN Program

Okayama University Takes Part in the Okayama SDGs Fair 2025

On August 7th and 8th, 2025, Okayama University, located in Okayama City, participated in the "Okayama SDGs Fair 2025" held at the Okayama Convention Center. This event, centered around the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), gathers pioneering efforts from Okayama Prefecture and is celebrating its third consecutive year.

This year, the fair featured 98 organizations showcasing their initiatives, alongside a variety of engaging programs including lectures, workshops, a quiz show, and even a food corner themed around the SDGs. In total, approximately 3,500 individuals attended the event over the two days.

At the Okayama University booth, staff and students presented a display highlighting the university's activities related to the SDGs. This attracted more than 100 visitors, who were keen to learn more and engage with the exhibits. One popular attraction was the "Gakucho Panel," where attendees enjoyed taking photos, capturing the spirit of the event.

Additionally, Associate Professor Yoshikawa Sachi from the Graduate School of Education conducted a workshop titled "LEGO x SDGs! Building Future Towns." This workshop encouraged creative thinking and collaboration among participants as they explored sustainable town planning through hands-on LEGO building.

Furthermore, programs like the Okayama University Hospital's Open Innovation Program "BIZEN" and various student organizations such as the Okayama University Data Science Club (DS Club), OU! Expo, Rotary Club (RAC), and TABLE FOR TWO+ (TFT+) actively participated with their own workshops and exhibition booths, further enriching the fair's diversity.

The larger presence of both student organizations and faculty members from Okayama University compared to last year reflects the university's commitment to learning about advanced SDG initiatives in Okayama and fostering connections with a diverse range of participants. Okayama University envisions expanding partnerships and deepening its efforts towards achieving the SDGs.

A notable moment during the opening ceremony was the ribbon-cutting led by Director Yukari Mimura, who oversees planning and evaluation, while President Yamato Nasu delivered the toast at the networking event. Throughout the event, there were multiple activities, including a quiz stage hosted by the student group OU! Expo, and participants could purchase bento boxes from the student-run TABLE FOR TWO+ (TFT+).

Okayama University is committed to supporting the SDGs set by the United Nations, and the efforts showcased at the Okayama SDGs Fair 2025 underline its role as a core research university that emphasizes community engagement and co-creation. The university seeks to foster innovative initiatives that not only address local issues but also contribute to global sustainability goals. As Okayama University continues to drive forward its partnerships, it remains dedicated to enhancing its contributions toward the realization of the SDGs.

The university invites public interest and support for its ongoing efforts in fostering a unique and sustainable community. With continued aspirations to be at the forefront of research and innovation, Okayama University aims to solidify its position as a university that prioritizes sustainable development, contributing to a brighter future for both the region and the globe.