#Japan #Okayama #Okayama University #Taiyo Project #WePRO

Okayama University Hosts the Taiyo Project × WePRO Symposium

On November 25, 2025, Okayama University, located in Okayama City, hosted the "Okayama Taiyo Project × WePRO Symposium" at Junko Fukutake Hall on its Shikada Campus. President Hayatomo Nasu was a featured speaker in a panel discussion that addressed vital themes related to career development for women and the promotion of diverse work styles within the region.

The Objective of the Symposium

The 'Okayama Taiyo Project' is an initiative designed to transform Okayama into a desirable place where people want to live and work. This involves not only retaining young individuals and women in the community but also encouraging a variety of employment styles. The symposium sought to create a platform for open dialogue between genders regarding women's career development and how to enhance diversity, with the ultimate goal of making Okayama a preferred city.

During the talk session titled, "How can shining women become the power of the region? - Key to generating a virtuous cycle?" President Nasu shared initiatives underway at Okayama University, including tenure-track systems and leadership training programs designed to promote women's participation and success in academia. He emphasized the importance of fostering a culture where ability enhancement is accessible regardless of gender.

Nasu elaborated on how crucial it is to inform younger generations about the career paths available from university entry through graduate school, underscoring the necessity of transforming organizational culture. Referring to the fable of 'The North Wind and the Sun', he argued that encouraging natural awareness, rather than imposing authority, is essential for comprehensive change.

Engaging Discussions

Following the main talk, participants engaged in group dialogues where Yukari Mimura, the Director in charge of planning and administration, joined to discuss barriers to female advancement and potential solutions. Participants exchanged ideas on the obstacles women face in the workforce and collaborated on identifying strategies to promote their active roles.

The university remains dedicated to addressing societal challenges through active collaboration between academia and communities. Looking ahead, initiatives like the Taiyo Project reflect Okayama University's commitment to being a core regional university that contributes to local sustainability and development.

Visual Highlights of the Event

Several moments from the symposium capture its spirit of collaboration:

• - President Nasu speaking passionately during the panel discussion.
• - Director Mimura actively participating in group discussions, engaging with attendees on key issues.
• - A gathering photograph from the event showing the unified message of commitment to diversity.
• - Junko Fukutake Hall, the venue that set the stage for these critical conversations.

The efforts and initiatives outlined during this symposium represent Okayama University's broader mission in supporting SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) and being a leading, unique research institution.

For more information about the Taiyo Project and the WePRO Symposium, visit: San Yo News and Okayama University Diversity Promotion.

As Okayama University advances on its path of community engagement and educational development, it continues to look for innovative ways to inspire change, foster diversity, and promote the empowerment of women in all domains.