2025 Japan -Taiwan University

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
  • Arrival
DAY 2 Wednesday, July 16
  • Japan-Taiwan University Presidents’ Forum
  • Dinner Reception
DAY 3 Thursday, July 17

AGENDA

*Program is subject to change

Registration

Welcome & Opening Remarks

Speakers

MOU Re-Signing & Gift Exchange

Group Photo

Keynote Speech

Moderator
Speaker

Session 1
Student and Young Researcher Exchange

Moderator
Speakers
Discussant

Networking Lunch

Session 2
Industry-Academia Collaboration for Local Development

Moderator
Speakers
Discussant

Tea & Coffee Break

Greeting from the Representative of Kumamoto Prefecture

  1. Mr. KIMURA, Takashi, Governor of Kumamoto

Panel Discussion 1
The role of Universities for Natural Disasters

Moderator
Panelists

Panel Discussion 2
Digital Transformations in Higher Education

Moderator
Panelists

Closing Remarks

Dinner Reception (Hotel Nikko Kumamoto)

    Opening Remarks
  1. Dr. OGAWA, Hisao, President, Kumamoto University (Host University)
  2. Toasting Speech
  3. TBD
  4. Closing Remarks
  5. Prof. Tzu-Bin Lin, Executive Director, FICHET

Introduction of participating universities

JACUE × FICHET

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

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.

Class Room 01
Class Room 01
Clean Room
  • 8 Faculties and 6 Graduate Schools
    Faculties (Undergraduate Schools):
    • 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:
    • Education
    • Social and Cultural Sciences
    • Advanced Science and Technology
    • Medical Sciences
    • Health Sciences
    • Pharmaceutical Sciences

    For more information:

  • 19 Research Center and Facilities

    For more information:

  • No. of Students: Approximately 10,000 students (including 2,000 graduate students)
  • No. of Faculty Members: Approximately 1,000
    No. of Staff Members: Approximately 1,700
International Student

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)

For more information:

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!

Jpan Map
To Kumamoto
Taiwan Air 2h
Tokyo Air 2h
Osaka Air 1h 20min Train 3h 30min
Fukuoka Train 40min Bus 2h

Access to Kumamoto University:

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!

Fifth High SchoolMemorial Museum of the Fifth High School Important Cultural Property

Museum of Engineering FacultyMuseum of Engineering Faculty mportant Cultural Property

Medicinal Plant GardenMedicinal 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.

Kumamoto Castle

Kumamon

Kumamoto foods

Manga character statue

Mt.Aso area

Aso Volcano Crater

Shirakawa Spring

Amakusa

Wild Dolphin Amakusa

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!

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