Since its establishment in 2018, the Office for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion has envisioned a future where no one is left behind. We have developed a wide range of activities as an organization aspiring to lead the realization of a symbiotic society while taking responsibility for the development of an inclusive environment at Keio University.
Currently, these efforts are developed around four main pillars: the "Work-Life Balance Promotion Project," the "Barrier-Free Promotion Project," the "Diversity Promotion Project," and the "Community Engagement Promotion Project."
First, in the "Work-Life Balance Promotion Project," we implement comprehensive support programs to address this issue, which holds diverse meanings for each individual. Specifically, we are developing a wide range of initiatives, including KIDS (Childcare Support Program), "Nurse Kids Support" for nurses and midwives at Keio University Hospital, "KIDS for Students" to support undergraduate and graduate students studying while raising children, KIND (Nursing Care Support Program) to support the balance between caregiving and work, and CARE (Support Program for Balancing Personal Concerns and Work) to directly care for the physical and mental well-being of faculty and staff working at this university. In addition, to promote gender equality, we are actively engaging in awareness-raising activities and collaboration with relevant domestic and international organizations.
Next, in the "Barrier-Free Promotion Project," we aim to create an environment where all students can enjoy learning equally, based on the Act on the Elimination of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities and other regulations. The "Office of Accessible Education" within the Office for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion plays a central role in this, working closely with each student and collaborating with faculty and staff to steadily advance necessary adjustments and support. Support for students with disabilities should not be limited to the faculty and staff in charge; we must establish an inclusive environment where everyone, including students, understands that they play a part in providing support. Based on this philosophy, we are promoting integrated projects under the "@ease Project."
In the promotion of "Diversity (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion)," the Kyosei Station arcoíris, established in 2025, plays an important role. This station functions as a place where everyone can feel safe and contributes to fostering a culture that respects diversity. Furthermore, through diversity workshops, the Breeze Project (support for women's health), and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Week, we create opportunities to think together about the significance of diversity and an inclusive environment and to take action.
The fourth pillar, "Community Engagement," aims for an inclusive environment through connection with society. Following the "Volunteer Partnership Agreement" with the Japanese Red Cross Society, the Volunteer Activity Support Office will open in October 2025. Through this, we aim to further promote social contribution both inside and outside the university.
The Office for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion plays a role in taking the first step toward realizing an environment where everyone can participate vibrantly at Keio University. We hope you will take a moment to visit our website and learn more about our initiatives.
Vice-President, Keio University
Eri Yokota, Director of the Office for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion