INFORMATION



2025 Japan-Taiwan University Presidents’ Forum
The Future of the Region:
Challenges of Universities in Japan and Taiwan in the Innovative Era
Date: Wednesday, July 16, 2025 Conference Venue: Hotel Nikko Kumamoto Conference Language: English MC of the Forum: Prof. OTANI, Jun, Executive Vice President (Research, global strategy and industry-academia collaboration), Kumamoto University |
Organizer: Japan Committee of Universities for International Exchange, JACUIE Joint Organizer: Foundation for International Cooperation in Higher Education of Taiwan, FICHET Host University: Kumamoto University |
Tentative Schedule
DAY 1 Tuesday, July 15 |
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DAY 2 Wednesday, July 16 |
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DAY 3 Thursday, July 17 |
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AGENDA
*Program is subject to change
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Registration
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Welcome & Opening Remarks
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- Speakers
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MOU Re-Signing & Gift Exchange
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Group Photo
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Keynote Speech
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- Moderator
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- Speaker
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Session 1
Student and Young Researcher Exchange -
- Moderator
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- Speakers
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- Discussant
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Networking Lunch
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Session 2
Industry-Academia Collaboration for Local Development -
- Moderator
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- Speakers
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- Discussant
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Tea & Coffee Break
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Greeting from the Representative of Kumamoto Prefecture
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Panel Discussion 1
The role of Universities for Natural Disasters -
- Moderator
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- Panelists
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Panel Discussion 2
Digital Transformations in Higher Education -
- Moderator
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- Panelists
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Closing Remarks
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Dinner Reception (Hotel Nikko Kumamoto)
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Opening Remarks
- Dr. OGAWA, Hisao, President, Kumamoto University (Host University) Toasting Speech
- TBD
- Prof. Tzu-Bin Lin, Executive Director, FICHET
Introduction of participating universities
JACUE × FICHET

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The Japan Committee of Universities for International Exchange (JACUIE) and the Foundation for International Cooperation in Higher Education of Taiwan (FICHET) co-organized a platform for fostering higher education exchange, bringing together academia from both countries every two years since 2016.
2016 Taiwan-Japan University Presidents' Forum
May 2016, Tainan Taiwan
2018 Japan-Taiwan University Presidents' Forum
June 2018, Hiroshima Japan
2021 Taiwan-Japan University Presidents' Virtual Forum
"Moving Forward: Taiwan-Japan Academic Collaboration in the New Era
Experiencing the Global Pandemic"
November 2020, Online
2023 Taiwan-Japan University Presidents' Forum
July 2023, Hiroshima Japan
KUMAMOTO UNIVERSITY (KU), established in 1949, traces its roots back to the Fifth High School, founded in 1887. As a top-tier research institution, it welcomes numerous international students and plays an active role in contributing to both the local community and the global society. Its rich legacy and commitment to excellence continue to make it a hub of innovation and collaboration.



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8 Faculties and 6 Graduate Schools
- Faculties (Undergraduate Schools):
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- Faculty of Letter
- Faculty of Education
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Science
- School of Medicine
- School of Pharmacy
- Faculty of Engineering
- School of Informatics
- Graduate Schools:
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- Education
- Social and Cultural Sciences
- Advanced Science and Technology
- Medical Sciences
- Health Sciences
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- 19 Research Center and Facilities
- No. of Students: Approximately 10,000 students (including 2,000 graduate students)
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No. of Faculty Members: Approximately 1,000
No. of Staff Members: Approximately 1,700

International Exchange
- No. of Partner Universities: (as of February 2025)
Inter-university: 128 universities (41 countries)
including 10 universities in Taiwan
Inter-department: 137 universities (42 countries)
including 10 universities in Taiwan - International Students: 532 (as of May 1, 2024)
Access
Kumamoto University is located in the heart of Kyushu, in Kumamoto Prefecture. With direct flights from Taipei and Kaohsiung to Kumamoto Airport, you can get here in just a little over two hours, making it easy to visit from nearby cities. Whether you're traveling internationally or locally, Kumamoto’s central location makes it a convenient and exciting destination!

To Kumamoto | ||
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Taiwan | Air 2h | |
Tokyo | Air 2h | |
Osaka | Air 1h 20min | Train 3h 30min |
Fukuoka | Train 40min | Bus 2h |
Campus Museum
Kumamoto University, with its rich history and traditions, boasts a lush green campus filled with stunning landmarks. Among its many gems, you’ll find four buildings that have been designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan, including the iconic Fifth High School Memorial Hall. The campus also features a variety of museums covering fields such as medicine and pharmacy, offering visitors an exciting and educational experience as they explore the diverse offerings. Whether you're a history buff or just enjoy a leisurely stroll, there’s something for everyone here!
Memorial Museum of the Fifth High School
Important Cultural Property
Museum of Engineering Faculty
mportant Cultural Property
Medicinal Plant Garden
For more details, click here.
The Kumamoto Area
Kumamoto City is packed with fascinating historical sites and hidden gems! It's the perfect place to dive into your studies and research while enjoying a vibrant lifestyle filled with amazing food and stunning natural and cultural beauty.
As the third-largest city in Kyushu, Kumamoto is home to around 740,000 people, making up nearly half of the entire population of the prefecture.
Must-see spots include the iconic Kumamoto Castle, one of Japan’s oldest and most impressive medieval castles. The city center is buzzing with office buildings, theaters, museums, and bustling shopping streets. But don’t worry, nature is never too far away! Just outside the downtown area, you'll find peaceful spots like Lake Ezu and Mount Kinpozan, perfect for relaxing.
Kumamoto is also known as "Springwater Country," boasting over 1,500 natural springs across the prefecture. The water is so pure, thanks to the nearby volcanic Mt. Aso, that it’s a key attraction for both locals and international semiconductor manufacturers!
And if you’re a fan of manga, you’re in luck! Kumamoto is a hot spot for manga culture, with more than 130 manga artists calling the prefecture home. You can even visit statues of popular manga characters and take tours of places where famous manga stories take place!
Plus, Kumamoto is super close to Amakusa, where you can enjoy scenic coastal drives, try out exciting marine sports, or even go dolphin watching! It’s a perfect getaway to enjoy the beautiful sea and nature.
Excursion Tour Itinerary
Thursday, July 17, 2025
9:00 – Depart from Sakuramachi Bus Terminal (Meet at 8:45)
9:10 – Pick-up at Hotel Nikko Kumamoto
– Drive-by sightseeing of JASM Kumamoto Factory
10:20 – Shin-Aso Bridge (30 min)
11:00 – Earthquake Museum KIOKU (50 min)
12:20 – Takamori Dengaku-no-Sato (Lunch, 1 hr 15 min)
13:50 – Shirakawa Spring (40 min)
15:20 – Drop-off at Aso Kumamoto Airport
16:20 – Drop-off at Kumamoto Station
16:40 – Arrive at Sakuramachi Bus Terminal (Drop-off)
Please note that the schedule is subject to change due to traffic conditions and other unforeseen circumstances.
🚗Shin-Aso Bridge
After the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake, the original Aso Bridge collapsed, cutting off vital connections. But in 2021, the brand-new Shin-Aso Bridge was built as a symbol of hope and recovery. Stronger and safer, this bridge represents the community’s resilience and a future built to withstand disasters.
🏛Earthquake Museum KIOKU
Step into KIOKU, a museum dedicated to remembering the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake and learning from its lessons. Opened in 2019, it features powerful photos, videos, and exhibits showing the impact of the disaster and the incredible journey of recovery.
🔥Takamori Dengaku-no-Sato
Experience a taste of tradition at Takamori Dengaku-no-Sato, a charming food spot in Aso where you can enjoy grilled skewers cooked over an irori (sunken hearth). Savor fresh local vegetables, river fish, and tofu, grilled to perfection and dipped in a rich miso sauce. Enjoy a cozy and nostalgic moment! (Vegetarian options available.)
💧Shirakawa Spring
Welcome to one of Japan’s most famous water sources! Located in Minami-Aso Village, Shirakawa Spring gushes out 60 tons of crystal-clear water per minute straight from Mt. Aso. This pure spring is the starting point of the Shirakawa River, and its refreshing taste has earned it a spot in Japan’s Top 100 Famous Waters. Bring a bottle and take home a sip of nature!
✨Get ready for an unforgettable journey through Aso’s history, resilience, and natural beauty!