Speaker: TANAKA Masako (Sophia University, Faculty of Global Studies)

Title:Chance Favours the Prepared Mind: Moving between Practice, Research, and Activism

        Exploring Gender Issues in Japan through the Lens of Reproductive Justice for Migrant Women

Date&Time: 3 December 2026 (Thu.) 15:00-16:30

Venue: Kumamoto University, E105, 1st floor, General Education Building, Kurokami campus

Abstract:

Are you thinking about your research and future career only in terms of what you want to do and what you ought to do? Even when things do not go as planned, continued learning and experience can prepare you to make the most of unexpected opportunities.

My volunteer work while living in Nepal as an accompanying family member led to a career in international cooperation. After returning to Japan, I expanded my activities into counselling and support for migrant women and research. I have found that doing what I can, when I can, with people I want to work with has broadened my choices in life.

In this talk, I will share findings from my research on how Japan’s policies for admitting foreign nationals affect migrants’ lives and our own everyday lives, drawing on the concept of social reproduction. Through this discussion, I hope to show how both specialised learning and everyday lived experience can help us support others and contribute to social change.

Email address for correspondance: daigakuin-kyoiku.jimu@ms.kumamoto-u.ac.jp

Governmental Seminar

Speaker:  FUKUOKA Kotaro（CEO, Musubi-Te Foundaion）

Title: What Japanese People Can Do Overseas, and What Only Foreigners Can Do: A Lecture by a Social Activist Who Has Been Working in India for Eight Years

Date&Time:  Nov. (Fri.)2026, 15:00-16:30

Venue: Large Lecture Hall, 1st floor, Faculty of Science Bldg. 1&2 ,  Kurokami South campus, Kumamoto University

Abstract:

A social activist working in India since 2018 will discuss how Japanese people, as foreigners, can address various challenges in the context of international aid and cooperation, with a particular focus on the challenges facing India, where he is actively engaged, and will discuss the reality of the current situation—including poverty, discrimination, corruption, the negative effects of IT development, and environmental issues.

Email address for correspondance: daigakuin-kyoiku.jimu@ms.kumamoto-u.ac.jp

Speaker: SASAKI Hazuki (Nihon University, Graduate School of Crisis Management / Associate Professor)

Title: The Issue of Terrorism Resulting from Individual Radicalization

Date&Time: 6 November 2026 (Fri.) 15:00-16:30

Venue: Kumamoto University, C201, 2nd floor, General Education Building, Kurokami campus

Abstract:

“Lone offender” terrorist attacks—those carried out by individuals acting alone and not affiliated with any organization—have become a global concern. Because these individuals often become radicalized in isolation, frequently online, and plan operations on their own, it is highly challenging for conventional law enforcement and intelligence efforts to detect and prevent such attacks in advance. By examining case studies of “lone offender” terrorist incidents abroad, this lecture explores the reality of these attacks and the associated challenges of countermeasures. In addition, this lecture will focus on personal circumstances—such as the social isolation that underlies radicalization—and will introduce initiatives to reduce risks through collaboration not only with the police but also with local communities and other stakeholders.

Email address for correspondance: daigakuin-kyoiku.jimu@ms.kumamoto-u.ac.jp

Speaker: NOGUCHI Shintaro (Economic Affairs and Tourism Bureau)

Title: Local Governments Take on the Challenge of Startup Support

Date&Time: 22 October 2026 (Thu.) 15:00-16:30

Venue: Kumamoto University, E105, 1st floor, General Education Building, Kurokami campus

Abstract:

“What is the significance of local governments supporting startups?” Centered around its startup hub “XOSS POINT.” (pronounced Cross Point), Kumamoto City is building a startup ecosystem—from talent discovery and incubation to business growth and global expansion—in collaboration with financial institutions, universities, corporations, and support organizations.
Drawing on my experience supporting startups as a local government official, I will discuss why Kumamoto City is committed to supporting startups, what the government can uniquely accomplish, and what it cannot achieve on its own—sharing concrete examples of our initiatives and the trial-and-error process involved.
Together, we will explore what local governments, universities, businesses, and the younger generation can do to shape the future of our region.

Email address for correspondance: daigakuin-kyoiku.jimu@ms.kumamoto-u.ac.jp

Speaker: Daizo Kusuda (Former Mayor of Dazaifu)

Title: Why Do Those Who Change Society Continue Learning? — On the Field, Through Words, and Toward the Next Challenge —

Date&Time: 2 July. (Thu.) 2026,  15:00-16:30

Venue: B1, 2nd floor, Faculty of Letters/Law Main Building, Kurokami campus

Abstract:

Practical experience addressing social issues at the national and local government levels.
A unique background that includes honing communication skills and advancing to the second round of the M-1 Grand Prix.

On the other hand, he failed the university entrance exams twice, failed the national civil service exam twice, and lost three elections.
Then, this spring, he entered law school and embarked on a career in educational practice.

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

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]→@）