Speaker:  Ichinomoto Mari（International Affairs and Kumamon Bureau, Office of the Governor, Kumamoto Prefecture）

Title: Overseas Expansion of Kumamoto Prefecture triggered by TSMC’s Entry

Date&Time: 28 Nov. (Fri.) 2025,  15:00-16:30

Venue: Kusunoki Kaikan Reception Room, Kurokami North Campus, Kumamoto University

Abstract:

In 2021, TSMC, the world’s largest semiconductor manufacturer, entered Kumamoto Prefecture and announced plans to build a second factory, scheduled for completion in 2027. Today, our prefecture is dramatically increasing its visibility both domestically and internationally as it works to revitalize our Kyushu Silicon Island. Since taking office, Governor Kimura has welcomed an increasing number of courtesy visits from overseas VIPs seeking to strengthen economic exchanges, creating a truly once-in-a-century opportunity to advance the prefecture’s international expansion. Today, I would like to introduce the current state of Kumamoto Prefecture and use this valuable opportunity to exchange views with you all regarding our international strategy.

Email address for correspondance：　daigakuin-kyoiku[atmark]jimu.kumamoto-u.ac.jp （[atmark]→@）

Speaker:  Tomonori Iijima (Member of the Ueda City Council, Nagano Prefecture; Chairperson of the Pharmacy Department of the Ueda Pharmacists Association; Director of Iijima Kimachi Pharmacy; Director of Iijima Ltd.)

Title:  The Pharmacist Required for the Future

　　　Considering the Role of Pharmacists Over the Next 20 Years

Date&Time: 6 Nov. (Fri.) 2025,  15:00-16:30

Venue: 　 Miyamoto Memorial Hall,  Oe campus, Kumamoto University

Abstract:

Kumamoto University’s Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences has cultivated human resources rooted in society based on the spirit of “practical learning” and “contributing to the community.” As symbolized by the current situation where pharmacies are not listed on maps, their role is not necessarily widely understood. However, pharmacies and pharmacists play a crucial role in protecting people’s lives, serving as a vital resource during disasters, providing comprehensive community care, and developing the observational skills and problem awareness necessary to support public health. Furthermore, advances in AI and DX are transforming not only healthcare and welfare but the state of society itself. This lecture will share perspectives on connecting research and society, taking into account the challenges within these practical fields. I hope this will serve as an opportunity for graduate students and alumni to explore new possibilities in the field of pharmacy.

Email address for correspondance：　daigakuin-kyoiku[atmark]jimu.kumamoto-u.ac.jp （[atmark]→@）

Speaker:  Toru Haraguchi（Vice President of the Japan Pharmaceutical Association / President of Pharmaunion Co., Ltd.）

Title:   Advances in Healthcare DX: From Consolidation to Utilization — New Value and Opportunities

Date&Time: 2 Oct. (Thu.) 2025,  15:00-16:30

Venue: 　 Miyamoto Memorial Hall,  Oe campus, Kumamoto University

Abstract:

The digital transformation (DX) of the Japanese healthcare sector accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic, serving as a major turning point. Initiatives such as online consultations, electronic prescriptions, and sharing medical information using My Number Cards have driven the consolidation of medical information. These initiatives have also improved operational efficiency by reevaluating traditional work processes that relied on paper and face-to-face interactions. This kind of infrastructure improvement is steadily spreading. The focus is now shifting from introducing digitalization to the utilization phase, in which we must consider how to leverage acquired data to create new value and improve healthcare quality.

This presentation will summarize the current state of DX in healthcare and the associated challenges from multiple perspectives. Future prospects will be discussed from two angles: Improving Healthcare Quality Through the Utilization of Medical Information and Creating New Opportunities.

Email address for correspondance：　daigakuin-kyoiku[atmark]jimu.kumamoto-u.ac.jp （[atmark]→@）

Speaker:　MARUYAMA Natsumi (Deputy Director, Office for Museum Promotion, Cultural Tourism Division, Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan)

Title:　What Is a Subsidy Program? – With a Focus on the Case of the Agency for Cultural Affairs’ Innovate MUSEUM Project –

Date&Time:　19 Jun. (Thu.) 2025,  15:00-16:30

Venue:　General Education Building 4F C401,  Kurokami North Campus, Kumamoto University

Abstract:

The revised Museum Act took effect in April 2023, which stipulates the collaboration with related organizations to solve social and local issues, including regional vitalization and social inclusion, as a new role of museums, in addition to the collection, storage, exhibition, and research and studies of materials, among other functions. The Innovate MUSEUM Project is a subsidy scheme to bring the idea of the revised law into realization. In this seminar, I would like to talk about subsidy programs as a system to achieve policy goals and their utilization, drawing on my experience in taking charge of various subsidy programs at the central and local governments and focusing on the case of this Innovate MUSEUM Project.

Email address for correspondance：　daigakuin-kyoiku[atmark]jimu.kumamoto-u.ac.jp （[atmark]→@）

Speaker:　Nobuhiro Sakamoto (General News Desk Editor, News Center, The Nishinippon Shimbun)

Title:　Three Years of Closing in on the Giant Dragon: China as Seen through the Eyes of a Beijing Correspondent

Date&Time:　12 Jun. (Thu.) 2025,  15:00-16:30

Venue:　General Education Building 4F C401,  Kurokami North Campus, Kumamoto University

Abstract:

What kind of image do you have about China? The world’s second-largest economic power locked in rivalry with the United States, the world’s oldest bureaucratic state boasting a history of 5,000 years, a leader in ICT innovation, a land of culinary delights, an authoritarian superpower… Whether you like China or not, the country is a “neighbor we can’t move away from” and, when thinking about Japan’s new possibilities in the future, it is a presence that cannot be overlooked. Over the course of three years from 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the world, I, a Beijing correspondent from The Nishinippon Shimbun, a regional newspaper in Kyushu, traveled to a total of 114 cities across all 30 provinces, autonomous regions and directly controlled municipalities of mainland China — with the exception of the Tibet Autonomous Region, where foreign reporters are restricted. Based on what I directly saw and heard with my own eyes and ears, I would like to share with you an unfiltered portrait of China, including off-the-record accounts. I hope this will be an opportunity for us to think together about how to face this giant dragon.

Email address for correspondance：　daigakuin-kyoiku[atmark]jimu.kumamoto-u.ac.jp （[atmark]→@）

Speaker:  FURUKAWA Kayoko (Embassy of Japan in El Salvador)

Title: Working at diplomatic missions abroad: Experience as a diplomat

Date&Time:  12 Dec. (Thu.) 2024, 10:00-11:30

* This seminar will be held via Zoom.

Zoom ID and password
“HIGO企業・行政セミナー/ HIGO Business and Governmental Seminar（2024年度～）” on Moodle.
https://md.kumamoto-u.ac.jp/course/view.php?id=119852
＊Remote Simultaneous Interpretation available

Abstract:

The Japanese Embassy is the contact point when you lose your passport. That’s right! However, its roles are not limited to passport assistance. The diplomatic missions of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which encompasses embassies and consulate generals, include ensuring the safety of Japanese nationals living abroad, supporting Japanese companies in operating their businesses, building and enhancing good relationships between the government of Japan and those of other countries to increase Japan’s presence in international society, and promoting Japanese culture.

As a Foreign Ministry official who specializes in the Spanish language and has worked at the diplomatic missions in India (Chennai), Mexico (Guanajuato), and El Salvador for a total of 12 years, I will, on the basis of my experiences, introduce the jobs at the Japanese diplomatic missions abroad and the career paths at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I hope that this seminar will be a good opportunity for you to learn about working as a Japanese diplomat given that you may have few opportunities to meet diplomats in your daily life.

Poster PDF: 20241212gs

Email address for correspondance：

higo-program[atmark]jimu.kumamoto-u.ac.jp （[atmark]→@）

Speaker:  OTA Miki  (Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA))

Title:  PMDA’s recent activities – Focusing on activities for ensuring drug safety –

Date&Time:  6 Dec. (Fri.) 2024, 15：00- 16：30

Venue: 　Seminar room (1F), Industry Lab , Oe campus, Kumamoto University

* This seminar can also be attended through Zoom.
Zoom ID and password
“HIGO企業・行政セミナー/ HIGO Business and Governmental Seminar（2024年度～）” on Moodle.
https://md.kumamoto-u.ac.jp/course/view.php?id=119852

※ This seminar will be in Japanese.
※ Presentation materials will be in Japanese only.

Abstract:

The Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) is a governmental agency responsible for reviewing drugs and medical devices for approval and ensuring their safety. In this seminar, I will introduce the PMDA’s activities and discuss current and future collaborations among pharmaceutical companies, medical facilities, and the government, particularly for ensuring the post-marketing safety of drugs.

Poster PDF: 20241206gs

Email address for correspondance：

higo-program[atmark]jimu.kumamoto-u.ac.jp （[atmark]→@）

Speaker:  YANAGIDA Kiyoko  (Director, Faculty of Contemporary Culture,Shokei University)

Title:  Discussion on the contribution of Kumamoto’s mascot character Kumamon to regional branding

Date&Time:  21 Nov. (Thu.) 2024, 15：00- 16：30

Venue: 　General Education Building 4F C401, Kurokami North Campus, Kumamoto University

* This seminar can also be attended through Zoom.
Zoom ID and password
“HIGO企業・行政セミナー/ HIGO Business and Governmental Seminar（2024年度～）” on Moodle.
https://md.kumamoto-u.ac.jp/course/view.php?id=119852
＊Remote Simultaneous Interpretation available

Abstract:

Kumamoto’s mascot character Kumamon remains well-known and popular, in contrast to many other municipal mascot characters whose popularity is declining. Although Kumamon-related goods have continuously broken sales records, does Kumamon really contribute to Kumamoto’s regional branding?

In this seminar, we will review the history of Kumamon from its birth, survey its past branding strategies, and discuss the contribution of Kumamon to regional branding and Kumamon’s sustainability.

Poster PDF: 20241121gs

Email address for correspondance：

higo-program[atmark]jimu.kumamoto-u.ac.jp （[atmark]→@）

Speaker:  OGAWA Yuta  (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare)

Title:　Discussion on future pharmacies and pharmacists – From a government official’s perspective –

Date&Time:  24 Oct. (Thu.) 2024, 15:00-16:30

Venue: 　Conference Room(1F), IMEG, Kumamoto University

* This seminar can also be attended through Zoom.
Zoom ID and password
“HIGO企業・行政セミナー/ HIGO Business and Governmental Seminar（2024年度～）” on Moodle.
https://md.kumamoto-u.ac.jp/course/view.php?id=119852
＊Remote Simultaneous Interpretation available

Abstrct:

As we approach 2025, in which all of the first baby boomers will be 75 years or older, demand for medical care is estimated to remain at the highest level. In such a situation, the low birth rate makes it more difficult to enlist a sufficient number of healthcare professionals. This problem will significantly affect pharmacies and pharmacists as well.

In this seminar, I will explain how I carry out my role as a government officer of the General Affairs Division, Pharmaceutical Bureau, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare in solving such a problem and in realizing various policies related to pharmacies and pharmacists. I will also discuss the factors I consider in conducting my job.

Poster PDF: 20241024gs

Email address for correspondance：

higo-program[atmark]jimu.kumamoto-u.ac.jp （[atmark]→@）

Speaker:  TAKAHASHI Makiko
(Professor, Graduate School of Innovation Management, Kanazawa Institute of Technology)

Title:　Diversity and University Research Administrators (URAs), the Keys to Creating Innovation
〜 What is the URA’s role like? 〜

Date&Time:  10 Oct. (Thu.) 2024, 13:15-14:45

Venue: 　Miyamoto Memorial Hall,  Oe campus, Kumamoto University
* This seminar can also be attended through Zoom.
Zoom ID and password
“HIGO企業・行政セミナー/ HIGO Business and Governmental Seminar（2024年度～）” on Moodle.
https://md.kumamoto-u.ac.jp/course/view.php?id=119852
＊Remote Simultaneous Interpretation available

Abstract:

This seminar will outline the relationship between innovation and diversity as well as the role of a specialist responsible for connecting these aspects focusing on the university roles expected in society. Specifically, it will provide an introduction to the university research administrator’s (URA’s) role to maximize the potential of science and technology. The seminar aims to 1) review the roles of science, technology, and universities and clarify the importance of innovation, 2) deepen the understanding of diversity, which is essential for an innovative environment, and 3) explain the role of a URA to connect science and technology to society.

Poster PDF: 20241010gs

Email address for correspondance：

higo-program[atmark]jimu.kumamoto-u.ac.jp （[atmark]→@）