Okayama University Releases Volume 110 of the Icho namiki Newsletter, Showcasing Community Collaboration and Innovations

Okayama University Unveils Volume 110 of Icho Namiki

On December 1, 2025, Okayama University, represented by President Masatomo Nasu, released the 110th edition of its public relations magazine, "Icho Namiki." This edition showcases the university's various activities and developments, particularly focusing on its collaborative efforts with local and international communities.

Introducing KIBINOVE

In this latest issue, a significant highlight is the newly constructed KIBINOVE, an innovative space located within the Tsushima campus. The establishment of KIBINOVE stemmed from a project funded by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, which aims to enhance industry-academic collaboration through facilities associated with distinctive research universities. KIBINOVE represents a new co-creation space designed to foster knowledge exchange and idea generation.

From the initial design phase, many university staff members, including University Research Administrators (URAs), administrative staff, and technical personnel, contributed to creating this facility, which aims to break away from conventional office environments. KIBINOVE features five distinct floors, showcasing various interdisciplinary collaboration areas, complete with visuals and photographs that capture the essence of this vibrant space.

The Kanemitsu Award: Shaping the Future of Okayama University

The magazine also introduces the Kanemitsu Award, which recognizes students who excel in academics, research, and extracurricular activities. This award is inspired by the legacy of alumnus Tomio Kanemitsu. The current issue features a dialogue between President Nasu and Alumni Association President Konaga, discussing the background and philosophy behind the award. In the latter part of the article, this year’s award winners share their stories, showcasing their academic journeys, their achievements, and their aspirations for the future.

Celebrating Student Achievements: Sports and Cultural Awards

Further in Volume 110, readers can explore the 2024 recipients of both the Sports Award and the Cultural Encouragement Award, which honor students' exceptional achievements in extracurricular activities. The magazine celebrates a selection of these diverse accomplishments, inviting readers to discover the inspiring narratives of determination and passion behind these honors.

Spotlight on Okayama University Students

The magazine highlights remarkable stories of students such as Yasutaka Inaba, a senior in Earth Science, who was inspired to delve into meteorology after experiencing the devastating West Japan Heavy Rain. Driven by a genuine curiosity about weather patterns, Inaba is pursuing weather forecasting qualifications while engaging in continuous study.

Another spotlight shines on Mai Maeda, a freshman in the Faculty of Education, who recently won a gold medal in a duet event at an international baton twirling championship in Italy. Maeda reflects on her journey fueled by her lifelong passion for the art form, supported by her friends and family.

Keeping Up with Okayama University: OU NAVI

For the latest updates on university information, the magazine encourages readers to check OU NAVI, which provides digests of recent press releases, new faculty information, and event summaries from the past three months.

Discovering the History of Okayama University

Additionally, the magazine features section “Okayadai Monochrome” #13, which sheds light on lesser-known historical moments in Okayama University’s past by reflecting on photographs from the closing ceremony of Okayama Medical University held in 1954.

Annual Reports and Digital Resources

To read the complete 110th edition of “Icho Namiki,” interested readers can access the digital pamphlet, which is available online. Past issues and further information, including the annual report and monthly digest, can also be found on Okayama University's official website.

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By focusing on research collaboration and student success, Okayama University continues to strengthen its role as a core research institution, dedicated to enriching its community and contributing to global innovation.