2024.12.04
Keio University Shonan Fujisawa Campus (SFC) held the SFC EXPO for two days on Saturday, November 23 and Sunday, November 24.
The SFC EXPO was held as an expanded campus event, consolidating various SFC events, including the Open Research Forum (ORF)—SFC's largest research presentation event—to bring the forefront of SFC's education and research to the public. This year, marking the second time the event was held, featured special projects in cooperation with Fujisawa City and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, promoting collaboration with the local community and society.
Over the two days, the event welcomed more than 3,600 visitors, including prospective students aspiring to enter SFC, researchers, corporate representatives, and residents of Fujisawa City, who were all greeted by SFC faculty, staff, students, and other affiliates. It was an event where participants could experience firsthand the cutting-edge education and research of SFC on a campus adorned with autumn leaves.
Please see below for the events and projects that were held.
The "Special Projects" featured collaborations with Fujisawa City and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. The Fujisawa City project included an exhibition of entries for the "Community Development Idea Contest 2024," which solicited ideas on the theme of "Creation of a Park in the 'Forest of Health and Culture' District"; an awards ceremony attended by the mayor of Fujisawa; a talk session titled "Co-creating the Future of the Forest of Health and Culture and SFC" with the deputy mayor of Fujisawa; and other exhibits on community development, all of which embodied the collaboration between the local community and the university.
The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force project featured a keynote speech by Mr. Noboru Tanaka, Director of the Health and Welfare Division, Personnel and Education Bureau, Ministry of Defense, followed by a panel discussion with Mr. Tanaka. There was also an exhibition of a field bathing set (bath), field kitchen (outdoor cooking equipment), and a large truck. At the footbath experience using the field bathing set, many visitors were seen warming themselves up.
At the "Open Research Forum (ORF)," which presents the research outcomes of SFC's faculties and graduate schools, 49 exhibits symbolizing the diverse and interconnected research at SFC and 14 sessions discussing the current state of research at SFC were held, offering new perspectives to visitors.
The "Open Campus" events, including information sessions for undergraduate and graduate schools and campus tours, served as an opportunity to convey the appeal of SFC to prospective students.
Many other projects also enriched the SFC EXPO. We sincerely thank everyone who participated over the two days.
Source: General Affairs Section, Keio University Shonan Fujisawa Campus (SFC) Office
Photos: Takeshi Kishi et al.