Following its selection by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) for the "Project for Strengthening Regional Core and Distinctive Research Universities" (J-PEAKS), Nagaoka University of Technology (NUT) hosted a kick-off symposium on Friday, July 4, 2025. The event was held in a hybrid format at the Hotel New Otani Nagaoka (NC Hall) and via Zoom Webinar.

The University aims to become a world-class "Social Impact Creating SX Research University" that promotes both social sustainability and university sustainability through this project. In his opening remarks, President Shigeharu Kamado expressed his high expectations for the project and shared his vision for realizing this vision. In the remarks by guests of honor, Mr. Tatsunobu Isoda (Mayor of Nagaoka City), Mr. Tsuyoshi Sugino (President of the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science [JSPS]), Mr. Yuichi Inoue (Director-General, Science and Technology Policy Bureau, MEXT), and Mr. Takahisa Hiragata (General Manager, Niigata Branch, Bank of Japan) offered their expectations for the university and words of encouragement. Subsequently, Executive Vice President Tadachika Nakayama gave an overview of the project and shared the specific vision and plans.

In the keynote speech, Mr. Toshiyuki Nakamura (Special Assistant to the President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency [JICA]) gave a lecture titled "Social Change in Africa and Expectations of Nagaoka University of Technology: Toward a Co-Creation Society with the Global South." He expressed high expectations for the university's efforts in Africa and other regions that serve as demonstration sites for solving various global issues.

In his closing remarks, Executive Director and Vice President Masatoshi Takeda expressed his expectations for future collaboration with stakeholders to promote this project, and the event concluded on a high note.

This symposium was attended by approximately 380 participants (240 on-site and 140 online), reflecting high expectations and strong interest in the specific initiatives to be undertaken in the future.

Through this project, NUT will continue to promote efforts to contribute to the region and society as a member of the research university cluster leading Japan's research capabilities and solving regional issues.