On October 1, 2025, Okayama University held a workshop at its Tsushima Campus, focusing on the question, "Why and how do people act? Where does motivation come from?" This event attracted approximately 30 students and graduates, aiming to shed light on human behavior and motivation through insights from cutting-edge psychology.
The workshop aimed to benefit students in their career development, interpersonal relations, and academic motivation. It was part of a broader initiative by the Cabinet Office to strengthen innovation environments in core regional universities.
The event was hosted in collaboration with Corvus Securitas Inc., a venture stemming from Okayama University, as well as DX Sunrise Okayama and the Okayama Digital Innovation Creation Platform (OI-Start). It featured a mix of lectures and group work designed to engage participants practically.
Renowned human resource development consultant Ryuuichi Horie led the lecture segment. He sparked discussions with stimulating questions like, "What motivated you to attend this workshop?" and "When do you feel most motivated in your everyday life?" These inquiries led to an exploration of choice theory with respect to human behavior. Horie shared rich stories drawn from his personal experiences and organized peer activities that encouraged active participation and smiles amongst attendees.
In the subsequent group work, participants were paired to reflect on what they would pursue if they could achieve anything they desired. Horie suggested that clarity in their aspirations and consistent effort toward those goals are crucial. He encouraged the attendees, saying, "Everyone has the capacity to pursue what they want. Start by taking action today!"
Looking ahead, Okayama University plans to continue offering diverse learning opportunities based at KIBINOVE, reinforcing students' critical thinking and practical skills. The university remains committed to its role as a unique research institution and regional hub, promoting innovative initiatives that enhance educational experiences.
KIBINOVE, established at Okayama University's Tsushima campus through the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology’s initiative to reinforce industry-academia-government collaboration, aims to facilitate societal problem-solving and new industrial creation based on research outcomes. The development process involved staff from various backgrounds who observed similar facilities to inform their conceptual framework.
For more information on Okayama University's Research and Innovation initiatives, visit their official site:
Okayama University Research and Innovation. Additional details about KIBINOVE can be found here:
KIBINOVE. Furthermore, DX Sunrise Okayama offers insights into digital transformation initiatives at
DX Sunrise Okayama. The Okayama Digital Innovation Creation Platform can be explored at
OI-Start.
Okayama University continues to contribute to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and was awarded a special prize in the 1st Japan SDGs Award for its efforts. As a key regional research university, Okayama University aims to foster collaboration and innovation, securing its position at the forefront of research and education.