On the day of the event, in light of an approaching typhoon, the event format was changed to online to prioritize the safety of participants. Fortunately, Gifu University sustained no major damage and was able to celebrate its 77th anniversary safely.

In the President's report, the current status of Gifu University and the future direction of university reform were presented. In particular, explanations were given on the "university, committing to social implementation through co-creation" concept, which aims to solve social issues by leveraging the university's research strengths, and the "Gifu Prefecture Marutto Campus" initiative which seeks to expand university functions across the entire prefecture. Through these initiatives, a vision was shared of the university contributing to regional revitalization as a core regional university, collaborating with local governments, industry, and other universities.

This was followed by reports from the deans and other representatives, who explained the current status and challenges of education and research in their respective faculties, as well as their visions for the future. Alongside initiatives that make use of each faculty's unique characteristics, a shared direction for the development of the university as a whole was presented.

After the ceremony, "The 58th Gifu University Forum" was held, featuring keynote lectures under the theme "Aiming for Space from Gifu." The speakers included Dr. KOMURASAKI Kimiya, President of the Japan Society for Aeronautical and Space Sciences and Professor at the Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, as well as Dr. MIYASAKA Takeshi, Director of the Center for Space and Utilization Promotion affiliated with the Faculty of Engineering at Gifu University.

Dr. Komurasaki explained the latest trends in space development, including the construction of lunar bases and the utilization of lunar resources. He also introduced the idea that the use of lunar resources could become an important step toward Mars exploration and contribute to improving the efficiency of space transportation.

Dr. Miyasaka introduced initiatives for cultivating human resources in space engineering in Gifu, including the "Space Engineering Course" conducted in collaboration with Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency and the ultra-small satellite "Raicho," developed together with high school students and others. The satellite was deployed from the International Space Station in September 2025 and has since successfully communicated with ground stations. During his lecture, he also discussed challenges in the development process, multiple rounds of testing and evaluation, and future prospects for the next project.

This commemorative event provided an opportunity to reflect on the university's history while taking a new step toward the future. Gifu University will continue to promote education and research activities aimed at realizing a sustainable society and strive for further growth as a core regional university that develops together with the local community.

A video of the forum is available via the [Related Link], so please feel free to watch.

Gifu University 77th Anniversary Commemorative Event

Date and Time: 14:00-17:00, Wednesday, June 3, 2026
Part 1
　○ President's Report
　○ Reports from Deans and Others
Part 2
　○ The 58th Gifu University Forum: Keynote Lectures "Aiming for Space from Gifu"
　　"Global Trends in Space Exploration and Lunar Resource Development"
　　　　Speaker: Dr. KOMURASAKI Kimiya (President, JSASS; Professor, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo)
　　"Human Resource Development in Space Engineering in Gifu"
　　　　Speaker: Dr. MIYASAKA Takeshi (Director of the Center for Space and Utilization Promotion, Professor, Faculty of Engineering)

President's Report

Deans' Reports

Lecture by Dr. Komurasaki

Lecture by Dr. Miyasaka

On the day of the ceremony, Mr. MORIKAWA Hidenori, Branch Head and Mr. TOYOSHI Shigeru, Secretary General from the Chubu Branch visited the university and presented a donation certificate to Vice President OYABU Chiho of Gifu University.

Upon receiving the donation, Vice President Oyabu expressed her sincere gratitude for the generous support extended to the university and its students and conveyed that the donation would be used to further enhance the university's education and research activities.

During the informal gathering that followed, participants exchanged views on the branch's activities and recent updates on graduates, deepening their friendship in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

Gifu University would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation for this generous contribution and will continue to value its connections with alumni while striving for further advancement in education, research, and community engagement.

(From left) Secretary General Toyoshi, Branch Head Morikawa, and Vice President Oyabu

Gifu University and NCSU have been promoting exchanges of students and faculty members through a human resource development project at the Intelligent Production Technology Research & Development Center for Aerospace (IPTeCA) of the Institute for Advanced Study. Following their visit to Nagoya University (Aichi Prefecture) on the previous day, this visit by NCSU representatives was arranged to further strengthen collaboration, particularly in the field of engineering.

The NCSU delegation, accompanied by Executive Director KOYAMA Tomohisa of Technology Partnership of Nagoya University, Inc., paid a courtesy call on President YISHIDA Kazuhiro. They also held discussions with Vice President WANG Zhigang, Executive Director KOYAMA Hiroyuki from Gifu University Organization for Promotion of Glocalization, Professor UEMATSU Yoshihiko, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, and Professor ITO Kazuaki from IPTeCA. During these discussions, Gifu University introduced its goal of becoming a university, committing to social implementation through co-creation in collaboration with industry, and exchanged views on the history of collaboration as well as various possibilities for future cooperation based on the respective strengths of both universities.

In addition, the NCSU delegation toured several of Gifu University's distinctive research centers, including the Additive Manufacturing Center for Implementation, Innovation, and Joint Invention, IPTeCA, and the Center for Advanced Smart Die Engineering Technology. They listened attentively to explanations given by the directors of each center.

Under the FY2025 Strategic University Reform and Innovation Environment Enhancement Project¹ of the Cabinet Office, which Gifu University has been selected for, we will promote international joint research in collaboration with Nagoya University's partner institutions. NCSU, which is engaged in outstanding research particularly in the field of engineering, is an important partner, and we will use this visit as an opportunity to further promote exchanges with NCSU.

1) English name is tentative

There is a possibility that Typhoon No. 6 will approach the Tokai region early in the morning of Wednesday, June 3.

Therefore, to avoid danger during commuting to and from campus, all in-person classes on Wednesday, June 3 will be canceled for the entire day.

Students are advised to refrain from unnecessary and non-urgent outings and to ensure their personal safety.

If your course instructor provides separate instructions such as holding classes online, please follow the directions given by your instructor.

The ceremony will begin at 14:00, and some parts of the program will be omitted.

Please note that the reception scheduled for 17:15 has been canceled.

Applicants will receive an email containing streaming information, so please watch the event from home or your workplace.

Gifu University places the highest priority on the safety of all attendees and will decide whether to proceed with the event by approximately 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 2.

The result regarding whether the event will be held will be promptly communicated to all registered participants as soon as a decision is made.

When attending, please check the latest weather and transportation information and travel only if it is safe and reasonable to come to the event.

On the day, a total of 1,131 participants--including faculty, staff, students, and personnel from Gifu Pharmaceutical University and the Gifu Prefectural Research Institute for Food Sciences, both located on campus--took part in campus cleaning activities for about one hour.

This time, there was particularly strong student participation. In addition to routine cleaning, efforts were also made to clean athletic facilities used for extracurricular activities.

Furthermore, 67 staff members and students conducted a "Zero Litter Around the University" initiative in the surrounding area, cleaning roads and nearby fields. In addition, energy-saving measures in preparation for the summer were carried out inside offices, such as cleaning air conditioner filters.

Gifu University will continue working in cooperation with both on- and off-campus communities to promote initiatives aimed at creating a sustainable campus.

Students participating in cleaning activities

Students participating in cleaning activities

Campus cleaning activities

"Zero Litter Around the University" activities

On Tuesday, May 19, 2026, Gifu University received a donation through the community-support investment trust "Gifu/Aichi Community Support Fund (nickname: Nobunaga Fund)," which is sold by The Juroku Bank, Ltd. and Juroku Tokai Tokyo Securities Co., Ltd., and managed by Meiji Yasuda Asset Management Company Ltd.

On the same day, a donation presentation ceremony was held at the head office of The Juroku Bank (Gifu City), attended by representatives from the aforementioned organizations as well as the recipient organizations. From Gifu University, Vice President OYABU Chiho attended and expressed gratitude for the support aimed at regional development and human resource development. The ceremony was also featured in the Gifu Shimbun on May 20 and the Chunichi Shimbun on May 21.

The donated funds will be utilized through the Gifu University Fund to support students and enhance educational and research activities. Gifu University will continue to strengthen collaboration with regional financial institutions, companies, and local governments, and work toward the advancement of education and research while contributing to the local community.

Vice President Oyabu (right) receiving the donation certificate

Commemorative photo at the donation presentation ceremony

Before the workshop began, with the cooperation of a kimono dressing group from Mino City, Gifu Prefecture, the students were dressed in yukata. They enjoyed Japanese culture by taking commemorative photos in their colorful yukata.

During the workshop, two instructors from Gujo City, also in Gifu Prefecture, were invited to teach two representative Gujo Odori dances, "Kawasaki" and "Harukoma." The students attentively learned the movements of the hands and feet and earnestly experienced this aspect of traditional Japanese culture. At the end of the workshop, they were presented with souvenirs and traditional hand towels related to Gujo. Participants shared impressions such as, "I'd like to actually go to Gujo and dance," and "Gujo dance is difficult but fun." For the students, it was a valuable opportunity to experience the culture of Japan and Gifu.

Gifu University will continue to actively provide similar opportunities for cultural exchange in the future.

Group photo in the "Harukoma" pose

International students learning "Kawasaki"

Scene of the circle dance

Dance instructors and international students together

This request document was prepared through discussions within the Interuniversity JDP Council of Japan, involving 12 member universities that have established or are planning to establish JDP, as well as 26 observer universities.

As the chair university of the council, Gifu University coordinated the compilation of the document and submitted it to MEXT on behalf of the council, along with an explanation of its purpose.

Gifu University will continue to collaborate with related organizations and work toward the smooth operation and further development of joint degree program.

Professor Koyama presenting the request document to Mr. Sato (left)

The Student Die & Mold Grand Prix is a competition in which students who study die and mold manufacturing exhibit molds and formed samples that they have designed and fabricated themselves and present their efforts from design through processing to forming. This year marked the 18th edition of the event.

The competition was held from April 15 to 17, 2026 at INTEX Osaka as part of "INTERMOLD 2026," where exhibition booths were set up to showcase the molds created by students. Since employees from private companies were free to visit the booths and interact with the students, the event provided a valuable opportunity to discuss challenges and innovations in real-world manufacturing.

On Tuesday, May 12, following the award, the student team and their supervisors visited President YOSHIDA Kazuhiro at the Office of the President to report their achievement. The participating students commented, "By repeatedly devising ways to maximize functionality within limited space, we were able to achieve both miniaturization of the mold and high production efficiency." In response, President Yoshida praised them, saying, "Manufacturing is one of Gifu University's strengths, and I am proud that you have won the Gold Prize in this field. I hope you will continue to refine your knowledge and skills and contribute to manufacturing in the Tokai region."

Gifu University will continue to promote education and research in the field of manufacturing while supporting students in their challenges and growth.

The presentation was delivered by a team of three students who had worked in collaboration with NEXCO Central as part of the "Regional Leader Course." Focusing on the Tokai-Kanjo Expressway West Route (between Yamagata IC and Ono-Godo IC), which opened in fiscal 2025, the students developed a project themed on promoting the appeal of the areas along the expressway. As part of this effort, they created a brochure titled "Gifu University Students Share the Appeal of Gifu Strawberries Today," introducing the attractiveness of strawberries produced in Gifu Prefecture. The project was designed with the aim of promoting tourism and strengthening the branding of local agricultural products.

At the presentation, the students explained the progress of their activities and the ideas behind the brochure using slides. Employees of NEXCO Central asked questions such as how best to communicate the appeal of Gifu strawberries to visitors arriving via expressways from distant locations, and what kinds of ingenuity and challenges were involved in turning the concept into reality. This led to an active exchange of opinions. The project also received positive feedback, including praise for the excellent idea of focusing on Gifu strawberries along the Tokai-Kanjo Expressway.

At the conclusion of the presentation, Mr. NAKANE Toshiaki, Director, Gifu Maintenance / Service Center of NEXCO Central, presented each student with a certificate of appreciation. He also offered words of encouragement, noting that the students had made a significant contribution to the initiatives of the NEXCO Central Group and expressing hope that they would apply this experience to their future student life and efforts to address regional issues.

In addition, certificates of appreciation were presented to the faculty members in charge at the Center for Collaborative Study with Community (Associate Professor OMIYA Koichi, Assistant Professor ITO Koji, and Assistant Professor FUTAMURA Rei) by Mr. MAEKAWA Toshiaki, NEXCO Central Branch Manager, in recognition of their long-standing efforts in industry-academia collaboration.

The brochure created through this project will be distributed at strawberry farms within the prefecture, as well as at service areas (SA), parking areas (PA) under NEXCO Central's jurisdiction, and various tourist information centers.

Gifu University will continue to collaborate with local communities and businesses to work jointly on solving regional issues and fostering the next generation of leaders. 　

Akamatsu visited President YOSHIDA Kazuhiro together with his coach, HAYASHI Ryohei (Associate Professor, Health and Physical Education Course, Faculty of Education at Gifu University) at the Office of the President. Akamatsu has been selected to represent Japan in the men's high jump at the 20th Asian Games (Aichi-Nagoya 2026). Regarding the event being held in the Tokai region, Akamatsu shared his aspirations: "I want to show my dynamic performance close to the people who have supported me throughout my life, including those in Gifu where I was raised and SEIBU PRINCE."

In response, President Yoshida offered words of encouragement: "Akamatsu is a source of pride for Gifu University, not only for his athletic achievements but also for his sincere dedication to research activities and his cooperation in our educational programs, all driven by a strong affection for his alma mater. We sincerely hope that he will continue to take good care of himself and achieve even greater success."

Gifu University will continue to cheer for Akamatsu's future achievements. Go, Akamatsu!

From left: Vice President Oyabu, Associate Professor Hayashi, Akamatsu, President Yoshida

Six newly selected recipients for FY2026

• Assistant Professor MIYACHI Yuka
  Medical Education Development Center
• Specially Appointed Assistant Professor ONISHI Sachiyo
  Graduate School of Medicine
• Clinical Lecturer / Assistant Professor SUGIYAMA Emiri
  University Hospital
• Assistant Professor SHIBATA Aya
  Faculty of Engineering
• Associate Professor INAGAKI Mizuho
  Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences
• Assistant Professor NAKAGAWA Kasumi
  Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences

Exchange of opinions on research results and future research

From left: Specially Appointed Assistant Professor Onishi, Clinical Lecturer / Assistant Professor Sugiyama, Assistant Professor Shibata, Associate Professor Inagaki,
Representative Director Motojima, Assistant Professor TAJIRIKA (FY2025 recipient),
President YOSHIDA Kazuhiro, Assistant Professor NAKAGAWA, and Vice President OYABU Chiho