Okayama University Kicks Off Collaboration Project with Kumenan Town to Tackle Local Issues

Launching Innovation: Okayama University and Kumenan Town Collaborate

On July 28, 2025, Okayama University (OU) and Kumenan Town, located in Okayama Prefecture, held a kickoff meeting for their new collaborative project at the Kumenan Town Community Center. This meeting marked the initiation of a joint endeavor aimed at addressing pressing local issues through community engagement and innovation.

Okayama University, led by President Yasumoto Nasu and based in Okayama City, is participating in the “Core Regional University Innovation Creation Environment Strengthening Project,” supported by the Toyota Foundation. This project aims to foster regional collaboration and innovation while leveraging the university's research capabilities to tackle various local challenges.

The meeting was attended by key figures from both OU and Kumenan Town. Notable attendees included Associate Professor Hisashi Datari from the Graduate School of Environmental and Natural Science and Associate Professor Katsutoshi Onaka, who presented research initiatives directed towards local engagement. Akira Imai, the Director of the Research and Innovation Co-Creation Organization, and Vice Director Takao Funakura also provided insight into their collaborative vision with the town.

The meeting began with Vice Director Funakura's presentation, outlining a vision for establishing think tank and action tank initiatives through inter-university collaboration within the prefecture. He emphasized the potential for students to partake in prototype development tailored to local needs. This student engagement is part of a broader strategy to nurture a new generation of innovators who can lead efforts to revitalize the community, benefitting both students and residents alike.

Following this, Professor Onaka elaborated on a three-year plan tied to the Toyota Foundation-supported project aimed at Kumenan. They discussed a step-by-step approach that begins with an assessment of the current state of affairs in the first year, leading to the formation of collaborative concepts that bridge government, academia, and industry in subsequent years.

Additionally, Assistant Professor Chiyuki Ono suggested initiatives promoting regional food culture and organizing fermentation workshops using local historical houses. These community-focused activities are aimed at revitalizing local customs and utilizing unique cultural resources present in Kumenan.

The participants from Kumenan Town, including Mayor Atsushi Katayama, candidly discussed challenges such as housing shortages, the need for renovations of traditional houses, issues related to wildlife impact on agriculture, and how to effectively leverage local historical resources. This open dialogue provided valuable insights into pressing local needs and set the tone for future collaborative endeavors.

The kickoff meeting stands as a pivotal moment for Okayama University and Kumenan Town, initiating a dedicated collaboration to discuss and address local issues. Moving forward, Okayama University will strive to closely align with the community, contributing actively to improving life in Kumenan through joint efforts with regional institutions and stakeholders.

As this partnership develops, it aims to achieve the vision of a better future for the local community. The university's commitment to regional collaboration and innovative solutions reflects its role as a core regional university. The project not only seeks to resolve current issues but also prepares the ground for sustainable growth and innovation within Kumenan. Stay tuned for updates on this exciting initiative and the ongoing partnership between Okayama University and Kumenan Town.