The 22nd Korea-Japan Millennium Forum was held at Yonsei University in South Korea on October 13 and 14, 2026. Keio University was represented by President Kohei Itoh, Vice-President Motohiro Tsuchiya, Professor Komei Sugiura of the Faculty of Science and Technology, Professor Tatsuhiko Yamamoto of the Law School, and a student representative.
Launched in 2002, the forum is an annual event for the presidents and other representatives of four leading private universities from Japan and Korea—Keio University, Waseda University, Korea University, and Yonsei University—to strengthen their mutual ties. The venue rotates between the universities each time it is held.
This year’s forum centered on the theme “Preparing Universities for the Post-AI Era: What to Transform, What to Preserve.”
During the Presidents’ Session, representatives from the four universities engaged in lively discussions on the role of universities in the post-AI era. They each shared initiatives to improve the efficiency of education, research, and administrative operations through generative AI, as well as cutting-edge interdisciplinary research spanning the humanities and sciences. At the same time, they emphasized the importance of a human-centered perspective that fosters independent thinking and ethical judgment, alongside human intelligence and wisdom; these can never be replaced no matter how advanced AI technology becomes. Participants also exchanged views on how universities can contribute to the future of society and humanity by providing learning experiences that extend beyond knowledge acquisition to include personal interaction and hands-on learning.
In the Students’ Session, student representatives from each of the universities gave presentations that explored the theme “Growing Up with AI — How We Think, Create, and Learn.” Topics included the importance of independent learning without overly relying on AI, using AI to address real-world challenges, translating tanka poetry while preserving its distinctly human sensibility, and providing structured support for aspiring student entrepreneurs through faculty, staff, and alumni networks. The presentations also highlighted the role of universities in building the support systems students need to pursue their ambitions.
Focusing on the future direction of education and research through presentations and discussion, the Researchers’ Sessions addressed “Teaching in the Age of AI: What Should Change and What Should Not” and “Doing Research in the Age of AI: Redefining Curiosity, Rigor, and Originality.” They explored the importance of verifying AI-generated information, fostering learner autonomy, establishing educational and research frameworks that safeguard reliability and originality, and strengthening collaboration among universities.
Photos courtesy of Yonsei University