On Friday, January 30, 2026, the J-PEAKS Special Lecture "Japan in the Age of GX and DX" was held in the Function Room of the University's Regional GX Innovation Co-Creation Center.

The lecture began with an opening address by President Kamado, followed by a lecture on "Customer-Offered Value and Monozukuri" by Mr. Naoo Takahashi, specially-appointed professor of the University. Based on his experience as a former senior managing executive officer of Honda Motor Co.

Following the lecture, Mr. Yoichi Oya, former Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Malawi, gave a valuable talk entitled "Challenges for Japan as seen from Malawi" from his perspective as a diplomat on the structure of international cooperation in Japan, future prospects, and the potential of African countries. At the end of the lecture, former Ambassador Oya, who recently retired, was presented with a bouquet of flowers by the participating international students, and the entire audience paid tribute to him for his many years of distinguished service.

The meeting proceeded in a friendly atmosphere, involving the participants, and ended on a high note with a review by Mr. Naohisa Hiragata, Manager of the Bank of Japan's Niigata Branch, and closing remarks. The lecture was attended by more than 50 people, including students, faculty, and staff of the university, as well as many from government agencies and other organizations.

We will continue to promote this project under industry-academia-government-finance collaboration.

Transmission

Nagaoka University of Technology Research Strategy Division Saito, Takei