Gifu University and Juroku Financial Group signed the comprehensive partnership agreement on August 7, 2026 and have since been working together to promote employee health, enhance well-being, and jointly develop models for health and productivity management. The seminar was the first concrete initiative launched under the agreement. In addition to representatives from Gifu University, female employees from The Gifu Shimbun, Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd., and Juroku Financial Group participated in the event.

The seminar opened with remarks from Ms. HAYAKAWA Yukari, Executive Officer of Juroku Financial Group, followed by a keynote lecture by Vice President OYABU Chiho of Gifu University, titled "Gender Equality and Creating Work Environments Where Women Can Thrive at Work While Being Their Authentic Selves." In her presentation, Vice President Oyabu emphasized the importance of viewing employee health promotion as an investment in human capital. She also discussed a range of issues essential to enabling women to continue working in a healthy and fulfilling manner, including the creation of supportive workplace environments, the promotion of women to leadership positions, greater participation of men in childcare, and the impact of unconscious bias, or implicit assumptions and prejudices. In addition, she introduced Gifu University's initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion.

Following the lecture, participants took part in a workshop centered on two themes: "What Does It Mean to Work Healthily While Being Our Authentic Selves?" and "The Appeal of Working in Gifu from a Cross-Industry Perspective, and the Challenges Facing Our Industries and Companies." Participants exchanged ideas in small groups and engaged in lively discussions about the challenges and initiatives within their respective workplaces. The workshop provided a valuable opportunity to gain new insights and perspectives unique to a cross-industry setting.

Gifu University will continue to advance initiatives fully utilizing strengths of both organizations under its comprehensive partnership agreement with Juroku Financial Group. Through collaboration with regional companies and organizations, the University remains committed to contributing to the promotion of health and productivity management and the enhancement of well-being throughout the region.

SSS is an educational program in which high school students from across Gifu Prefecture come together beyond the boundaries of their own schools to learn from and inspire one another through group work, exchanges, and discussions. This year, 66 students participated from a total of 25 schools, including 17 prefecture-designated Flagship High Schools and 8 public and private high schools selected through an open application process.

Under the theme, "Identifying Regional Challenges in Gifu and Creating a Vibrant Future for Local Communities," participants were divided into 11 groups. They examined challenges facing Gifu Prefecture and its communities and developed innovative proposals to address them. For this year's SSS, 15 departments of the Gifu Prefectural Government provided preparatory learning videos, and prefectural officials offered direct advice to help deepen the students' discussions. In addition, Gifu University students participated as tutors, supporting the high school students' learning while fostering interaction between high school and university students.

At the beginning of the presentation session, encouraging remarks were delivered to the students by President YOSHIDA Kazuhiro of Gifu University, Governor ESAKI Yoshihide of Gifu Prefecture, and Vice Speaker NAGAYA Kousei of the Gifu Prefectural Assembly, who is the originator of the SSS program.

Presentation Themes

• Group A: Increasing Tourist Spending in the Historic Udatsu Townscape
• Group B: Bear Countermeasure at Vacant House - Building a Public-Private-Academia Co-Creation Community Led by High School Students -
• Group C: Bringing Young People to Gifu! Creating New Industries through Agriculture in the Hida Region
• Group D: Making Gifu More Than Just a Stopover Advancing Tourism Through Digital Innovation
• Group E: Sustaining and Developing Mountainous and Rural Areas through People with Ties to a Community - Revitalizing Gifu through "Appropriate Population Density" -
• Group F: Enhancing Educational Quality and Revitalizing Local Communities through School-Community Collaboration
• Group G: Revitalizing Communities through Tourism × Transportation Transforming Travel Time into Valuable Experiences
• Group H: How Can We Prevent Youth Outmigration? Creating Attractive and Vibrant Communities
• Group I: Morning Culture × Health × Tourism The Gifu Morning Project++
• Group J: Addressing Population Decline and Aging Society Creating Safe and Inclusive Community Spaces for Everyone
• Group K: A Package of Gifu's Natural Treasures!? - "Mino no Minori" - Expanding the Reach of Gifu's Existing Attractions through Nature Tourism

During the presentation session, students introduced numerous creative ideas and practical proposals that reflected unique high school perspectives. Participants actively engaged not only in presenting their own projects but also in asking questions about other groups' presentations, deepening their learning through mutual exchange and inspiration.

Governor Esaki and Vice Speaker Nagaya highly praised the presentations, commenting on the impressive quality of the proposals and the originality of the ideas, many of which offered fresh perspectives not seen before.

At the conclusion of the event, Superintendent HORI Takao of the Gifu Prefectural Board of Education, and Vice President SUGIYAMA Makoto of Gifu University, delivered closing remarks. They commended the students for their hard work throughout the program and expressed their expectations for the participants' continued growth and future achievements.

Gifu University will continue to collaborate with the Gifu Prefectural Board of Education in organizing future SSS activities, further strengthening cooperation between high schools and universities and fostering the next generation of leaders who will contribute to society.

Opening remarks by President Yoshida

Greeting from Governor Esaki

Greeting from Vice Speaker Nagaya of the Gifu Prefectural Assembly

Remarks by Superintendent Hori of the Gifu Prefectural Board of Education

Remarks by Vice President Sugiyama

Presentation Session (1)

Presentation Session (2)

Presentation Session (3)

The International Club has long provided generous support for the University's educational and research activities, including assistance for international students. On this occasion, the Club made a continued donation to Gifu University's International Club Research and Education Grant Program, a named special project established in FY2023. The program supports research and educational activities related to renewable energy. To date, grants have been awarded to 12 research projects, and this latest contribution has enabled the University to support an additional five projects.

During the ceremony, Executive Board Members of the Club, Ms. AOYAMA Rumi Aoyama and Mr. AOYAMA Hideyo expressed their hopes for the further advancement of renewable energy research at Gifu University. Professor Uematsu introduced the activities of the University's key renewable energy research centers, the Gifu Renewable Energy System Research Center and the Ammonia and Hydrogen Zero-Carbon Energy Demonstration Hub.

In expressing his appreciation, Professor Uematsu stated: "We will make every effort to achieve further accomplishments in both research and education and, through these results, contribute to regional revitalization and the resolution of global energy challenges. We are committed to carrying forward the spirit that the International Club has dedicated to the local community over many years and giving back to the region through our research and educational activities."

Following the ceremony, a discussion session was held in which the five faculty members whose projects were selected for funding this year introduced their respective research topics and expressed their gratitude for the support provided. Participants also learned about the Club's activities and exchanged views in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

Gifu University will continue to advance research and education related to renewable energy in line with the objectives of this program and work together with the local community to address energy-related challenges.

From left: NONOMURA Shuichi, Special Advisor, Professor KUME Tetsuji, Faculty of Engineering, Professor KOUSAKA Hiroyuki, Faculty of Engineering, Professor Uematsu, Ms. Aoyama, Mr. Aoyama, Professor FUNABIKI Kazumasa, Faculty of Engineering, Associate Professor SOBAJIMA Yasushi, Faculty of Engineering, Assistant Professor LEE Keunseob, Faculty of Engineering

This agreement aims to utilize Gifu University's academic and medical expertise as well as its research resources, together with the extensive regional network of Juroku Financial Group, Inc., to promote the physical and mental health and well-being of employees of both organizations. It also seeks to establish a model for health and well-being management in the region and to share the outcomes broadly with society.

Under this agreement, the two parties will collaborate on the following initiatives:

・Promoting health and well-being management initiatives

・Jointly developing a health and well-being management model

・Undertaking other activities deemed necessary to achieve the objectives of the agreement

During the current fiscal year, the planned activities include hosting seminars on health and well-being management, providing diversity-related training programs, and offering health consultation services at the headquarters of Juroku Financial Group. Through these efforts, both organizations will work toward establishing a health and well-being management model, with the long-term goal of expanding its application to companies throughout the region.

At the signing ceremony, President YOSHIDA Kazuhiro stated, "Through this agreement, we hope to capitalize on the strengths of both organizations to advance initiatives related to health and well-being management and contribute to the development of a new regional model for health and well-being management." He further expressed his expectations for the future, saying, "By widely sharing the knowledge and achievements gained through these initiatives across the region, we hope to contribute to the promotion of health throughout Gifu Prefecture and support the sustainable growth of local businesses."

Gifu University will continue to contribute to regional development by strengthening collaboration with local communities and returning the benefits of its education and research activities to society.

The purpose of this MOU is to strengthen collaboration and cooperation between Gifu University and Family Co., Ltd. in fostering the next generation of leaders who will shape the future of the Chuno and Tono regions, while promoting community development and industrial revitalization. Through these efforts, the two organizations aim to contribute to the revitalization and sustainable development of the region.

At the signing ceremony, SUGIYAMA Makoto, Director of the Promotion of Regional Collaboration, remarked:"Guided by our principle of 'Learning, Exploring, and Contributing,' Gifu University has been advancing regional co-creation and human resource development. Family Co., Ltd. has been engaged in lifelong career education and human resource development for a wide range of people, from elementary school students to working adults, throughout the Chuno and Tono regions. We hope that this MOU will serve as an opportunity to build on the strengths of both parties and further contribute to the local community."

President YOSHIDA Tadashi of Family Co., Ltd., commented: "We have already been working closely with the Center for Collaborative Study with Community and the Social Education Specialist Training Program of Gifu University. We will deepen our partnership and work together with local residents, particularly in Kani City (Gifu) and surrounding areas, to address regional challenges and promote community development."

Based on this MOU, the Promotion of Regional Collaboration will continue to work closely with Family Co., Ltd. to advance initiatives related to human resource development, community building, and industrial promotion in the Chuno and Tono regions.

Mr. Yoshida (left) and Director Sugiyama (right) signing the memorandum

Commemorative photograph

As schools work to advance inclusive education, in which children with diverse needs learn together, an important challenge is how to create learning environments where every child feels safe, supported, and able to demonstrate their strengths. One approach that has gained increasing attention in recent years is Positive Behavior Support (PBS). PBS focuses on recognizing and building on children's strengths while fostering school communities in which students encourage and respect one another.

During the lecture, Professor HIRASAWA Noriko of the Graduate School of Education introduced the fundamental principles of PBS, as well as practical strategies and examples of its implementation. She explained how educators can respond effectively to the diverse needs of children through PBS. In the question-and-answer session, participants discussed the importance of not simply encouraging children to conform to behaviors considered desirable by schools, but rather sharing goals with them, exploring various approaches together, and helping them develop the ability to anticipate and prepare for their next actions.

The lecture provided participants with a valuable opportunity to deepen their understanding of how to create school environments that bring out the strengths of every child through collaboration between children and teachers, and to apply these insights to their future educational practice.

Call for Donations for the Gifu University Relief Fund for the 2026 Kumamoto Earthquake

YOSHIDA Kazuhiro, President of Gifu University

We would like to express our heartfelt sympathy to all those who have been affected by the 2026 Kumamoto Earthquake. To support the recovery of the lives of those impacted by the disaster and to assist in the prompt restoration and reconstruction of the affected areas, Gifu University is collecting relief donations.

All donations received will be delivered to the disaster-stricken areas through the"2026 Kumamoto Earthquake Disaster Relief Fund" administered by the Japanese Red Cross Society. We sincerely ask for your understanding of the purpose of this initiative and greatly appreciate your generous support and cooperation.

Donations by Bank Transfer

International students enrolled in the course study Japanese language and Japanese culture at Gifu University from October to the following August as state-funded students recommended by embassies or their home universities, or as exchange students from Gifu University's partner institutions overseas. At the end of the course, each student writes a thesis on a topic of personal interest under the guidance of a faculty supervisor and with support from Japanese student tutors at Gifu University.

The students of the 25th cohort also completed their theses by conducting research, analysis, and discussion on the languages and cultures of Japan and their home countries from their own unique perspectives. During the presentation session, they confidently presented their research findings in Japanese using slides. Tutors, friends from the same countries, faculty members, and students from their home institutions also attended the event and supported the presenters.

The students will attend the completion ceremony on Thursday, August 20, and, after returning to their home countries, will resume their studies at their respective universities. Many graduates of the course go on to pursue graduate studies at Gifu University or other institutions in Japan, while others return to Japan to seek employment. We look forward to meeting these graduates again in the future and seeing how they have continued to grow.

Gifu University will continue to welcome international students from a wide range of countries and promote international exchange.

Presenters and Thesis Titles (in Presentation Order)

• Ms. ZHU JIAOMEI (China)
  　 "Otome Games Across Borders: Reception and Transformation in Japan-China Cultural Exchange"
• Ms. DONPRAIPAN KEMJIRA (Thailand)
  　 "Examination Stress Caused by Differences in University Entrance Examination Systems in Japan and Thailand"
• Ms. NGO VU PHUONG NGOC (Vietnam)
  　"A Comparative Study of High School History Education in Japan and Vietnam"
• Mr. TANSAWANGKUL JARKWARIN (Thailand)
  　 "A Comparison of Aesthetic Perceptions of Teeth in Japan and Thailand"
• Mr. ZHUANG JIALE (China)
  　 "Why 'Tomodachi' Is Written as 『友だち』 Rather Than 『友達』: Changes in the Japanese Language and Cultural Backgrounds Reflected in Orthographic Choices"

Presentation on Otome Games

Presentation on History Education

View of the Venue

Group Photo after the Presentation Session

We ask all faculty and staff to take sufficient precautions to prevent heatstroke among students during classes, practical training, extracurricular activities, research activities, and other university-related activities. When conducting outdoor activities or exercise, please check the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) for the Gifu University campus in advance and make appropriate decisions regarding the cancellation, modification, or postponement of activities as necessary.

In particular, a WBGT of 31 or higher is classified as "Danger," and, as a general rule, physical exercise should be suspended. In addition, to help prevent heatstroke, please assist in informing students about the availability and use of COOL CAMPUS Spots.

We also ask faculty and staff to pay close attention to any changes in students' physical condition and to help ensure a safe and healthy environment for education and research.

Dispatch Overview

Period of Dispatch: August 5 (Wednesday) to August 8 (Saturday),2026
Team Composition: Emergency Safety Assessment Team
(Total of three members from Gifu University and Nagoya University, Tokai National Higher Education and Research System)

Activities

• Surveying damage to school facilities
• Conducting emergency safety assessments of school facilities
• Supporting safety inspections of facilities in the disaster-affected areas

In addition, the Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT) from the University Hospital will engage in on-site medical relief and related activities. (See Related Links below.)

Gifu University will continue to work in cooperation with relevant organizations to support recovery and reconstruction efforts in the affected areas and contribute to their swift restoration.

This year, 15 principals and the Secretary General participated, including Mr. NAKAGAWA Keizo, Chair of the Gifu Prefecture Senior High School Principal Association and Principal of Gifu Prefectural Kano Senior High School. From Gifu University, 18 faculty and staff members attended, including President YOSHIDA Kazuhiro, Vice President MASHIKO Norifumi, and Vice President SUGIYAMA Makoto.

During the meeting, President Yoshida first gave an overview of the current status and future direction of Gifu University. This was followed by a presentation by Mr. Nakagawa entitled "Trends in Senior High School Education Reform," which focused on the "N-E.X.T. High School Initiative" and introduced the current circumstances and various issues surrounding high school education.

Next, Vice President Sugiyama reported on the "Gifu Prefecture Marutto Campus Initiative" and the activities of the Promotion of Regional Collaboration. Representatives from the relevant faculties also explained changes to the admissions selection process that will be implemented in the current and upcoming academic years.

The opinion exchange session featured lively discussions on topics such as strengthening collaboration between high schools and universities and reforming admissions selection processes. The meeting provided a valuable opportunity for both the university and the high schools to deepen their understanding of each other's current situations and challenges.

After the meeting, participants toured the Animal Medical Center and the Skills Laboratory of the Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences. Following introductory presentations by Center Director NISHII Naohito, Professor WATANABE Kazuhiro, and students, participants engaged in an active question-and-answer session.

Gifu University will continue to promote mutual understanding through active dialogue and collaboration with high schools across the prefecture and contribute to the development of regional education and the cultivation of the next generation of talent.

President Yoshida giving a presentation

Mr. Nakagawa giving a presentation

Facility tour (Animal Medical Center)

Facility tour (Animal Medical Center)

Facility tour (Skills Laboratory)

Under circumstances such as these, it is entirely natural to experience anxiety or emotional distress. If your concerns or worries persist, please do not hesitate to consult the Health Administration Center.

Please be aware that social media and other online platforms may contain false or unreliable information. Please make every effort to obtain the latest and most accurate information from trustworthy sources.

Student Affairs Department, Gifu University

Contact Information

Student Affairs Division, Student Affairs Department, Gifu University
E-mail: gkm-kyomu@t.gifu-u.ac.jp

Faculties, School, and Graduate Schools
https://www.gifu-u.ac.jp/contact/

Health Administration Center, Gifu University
E-mail: hokencen＠t.gifu-u.ac.jp

The proposed Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine is built upon more than a decade of successful collaboration between the two universities through the Joint Department of Veterinary Medicine, established in 2013, and the Joint Graduate School of Veterinary Science, established in 2019. The new faculty is designed to create an integrated education and research system spanning undergraduate and graduate studies.

At the press conference, following remarks from the presidents of both universities, an overview of the proposed Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine was presented. Guided by the One Health concept, which views the health of humans, animals, and the environment as interconnected, the faculty aims to cultivate veterinarians equipped with advanced expertise, practical skills, a global perspective, and a strong sense of ethics.

To develop veterinarians capable of working on an international stage, the universities plan to strengthen educational programs in the following key areas:

Enhanced education in infectious disease prevention and control

Expanded education in livestock and industrial animal medicine

Enriched participatory comprehensive clinical training

Enhanced education in animal welfare and companion animal care

By taking advantage of its strengths in One Medicine research, which promotes interdisciplinary collaboration among the fields of medicine, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, and engineering, as well as its livestock health education initiatives conducted in partnership with local communities, Gifu University will work together with Tottori University to train veterinarians who can contribute globally. Through these efforts, the universities aim to support the development of both regional and international communities.

1) English name is tentative.

During the meeting, Mr. Akamatsu expressed his gratitude, saying: "As the Asian Games 2026 will be held close to my hometown, I am truly grateful for the support and encouragement I have received from Gifu University, the people of Gifu Prefecture, and many others. I will turn everyone's support into strength and aim for the gold medal!"

In response, President YOSHIDA Kazuhiro offered words of encouragement: "Mr. Akamatsu's achievements are a source of great pride for Gifu University and a tremendous joy for our students, faculty, and staff. As a representative of Gifu University, I hope you will compete boldly and give your very best on this grand stage!"

Mr. Akamatsu will compete in the Asian Games 2026 alongside Coach Hayashi. We sincerely hope that the fruits of their years of hard work, dedication, and training together will shine through, bringing inspiration and excitement to everyone at Gifu University and throughout Japan. The entire university community is wholeheartedly cheering for them.

Go, Akamatsu!

Men's High Jump

Qualification Round: Wednesday, September 23, 7:30 a.m. (competition begins)

Final: Saturday, September 26, 5:00 p.m. (competition begins)

Representing Gifu University were President Yoshida, Vice President LIM Lee Wah, Professor KOYAMA Hiroyuki, Executive Director of Gifu University Organization for Promotion of Glocalization, Professor EBIHARA Akio, Professor NAKANO Kohei, and Professor OBA Shinya. Also in attendance was Professor Umakanta Sarker of Gazipur Agricultural University in Bangladesh, who is currently visiting Japan as a Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) Invitational Fellow.

During the meeting, the participants exchanged views on the friendly relations between Japan and Bangladesh and the importance of international collaboration in higher education. Gifu University introduced its long-standing academic exchanges with universities in Bangladesh and discussed ways to further strengthen student mobility and cooperation in human resource development. The discussions were active and constructive, focusing on expanding future collaboration.

Gifu University remains committed to enhancing student and academic exchanges, fostering globally active human resources, and contributing to greater mutual understanding between the two countries.

Commemorative Photo with H.E. Mr. Muhammad Daud Ali

Group Photo