May 30, 2025
On May 28, a media briefing for members of the press was held at Mita Campus to mark the (re)appointment of President Kohei Ito. The briefing was held with the aim of sharing the President's future aspirations and Keio University's medium- to long-term vision, as well as to widely disseminate information and exchange opinions about the university's current initiatives.
Many members of the media from newspaper companies and magazine editorial departments attended. President Ito expressed his aspirations upon taking office and his commitment to creating a free environment where each student can thoroughly learn and take on challenges before entering society. Furthermore, he also spoke about interdisciplinary initiatives in AI education and research, a global issue, and future prospects utilizing national research support programs such as the World Premier International Research Center Initiative (WPI) and the Program on Open Innovation Platform for Industry-academia Co-creation (COI-NEXT).
Additionally, regarding his views on Harvard University's restrictions on accepting international students in the United States, he touched upon Keio's experience of being pushed into a management crisis by the government's national university policy during the Meiji era, stating that the most regrettable thing for a university is for students to leave it. Therefore, he expressed his support for Harvard University in its fight against the government and for the students who wish to continue their research there, indicating a willingness to provide support in response to individual consultations from students or direct requests from the university.
Next to speak, Vice-President Yuko Kitagawa introduced the educational philosophy of Shibasaburo Kitasato, the first dean of the School of Medicine, and explained initiatives involving collaboration among the three medical-related faculties: the School of Medicine, the Faculty of Nursing and Medical Care, and the Faculty of Pharmacy. Challenges and prospects related to medical education and healthcare policy were shared. Furthermore, amid a declining birthrate and aging population, he noted that medical sciences has become a field that must be considered not only from the perspective of life sciences but also from the humanities and social sciences, and he stated his commitment to continuing initiatives in preventive medicine and startup support.
At the briefing, many questions were raised by the attending media, leading to a lively exchange of opinions. Keio University will continue to widely disseminate information about its initiatives in education, research, and medical care through such opportunities for dialogue.
Additionally, Keio University is developing a grand design for its 175th anniversary in 2033. While gradually revealing this plan in the future, the university will promote initiatives with a view to fostering the next generation of human resources and advancing academic development not only for Keio but for Japan and the entire world.