Solving Regional Challenges Through Mobility: Moving Toward Implementation
We interviewed Koichiro Takahara, President and CEO of NearMe, Inc., who joined the iU faculty in April 2025. The “Mobility Social Design” initiative he is promoting focuses on transportation as a means to highlight regional challenges and implement solutions in society. What specific projects are currently underway?Clickhere for details.
For the 17th installment of our interview series, we welcomed Yusuke Sasaki and Yasuo Akazawa, who are in charge of promoting the Para Movement at the Kawasaki City Bureau of Civic Culture, to discuss “Realizing a society where everyone can thrive regardless of disability, age, gender, or race—Kawasaki City’s‘Kawasaki Para-Movement’—”
We’ve published the report, so
please be sure to check it out!
"Tomodachi Robot" to Participate in "Aichi Robo Fest"
Tomodachi Robot will participate in the “Aichi Robo Fest,” to be held in Aichi Prefecture from Friday, December 12, to Sunday, December 14, 2025. It is scheduled to appear in the “Robot Demo ~Robot Town~” section.These three days will be packed with a variety of programs where you can see, touch, and experience the robots firsthand. Please come to the venue and experience the charm of these robots for yourself.Click here for details.
Fuji TV President Kenji Shimizu and Entrepreneur Takafumi Horie Appear as Guest Speakers
On Tuesday, July 22, iU hosted a special lecture featuring Fuji TV President Kenji Shimizu and entrepreneur Takafumi Horie. Under the theme “The Future of Media and Co-creation with Society,” they engaged in a discussion about the future relationship between media and society from diverse perspectives, including television, social media, and generative AI.Click here fordetails.
iU and QQEnglish Form Comprehensive Business Partnership
iU has signed a comprehensive partnership agreement with QQEnglish—which offers online English conversation lessons and study abroad programs in Cebu—with the aim of fostering innovators who can thrive on the global stage. Through high-quality English education and the acquisition of practical business skills, the partnership aims to cultivate the next generation of talent equipped with a global perspective.Click here for details.
"Tomodachi Robots" Gather at Chomorrow 2025!
Tomodachi robots will gather in large numbers at “Chomorrow 2025,” taking place on Sunday, November 2, and Monday, November 3, 2025 (a national holiday). We have prepared a variety of events, including a robot parade, photo studio, and Robot Park. Please enjoy this futuristic community space where both tomodachi robot owners and visitors can have fun together.We are also seeking sponsors. Clickhere for details.
◆ Announcements from Participating Organizations and Researchers
● The official website for “Study Abroad in Cebu for Free” has been redesigned!
(Cebu Business English Academy)
・The official website for “Study Abroad in Cebu for Free” has undergone a major redesign. We’re now accepting applications for the October 2025 intake!
●Chord Hero’s Ukulele Summer Vacation Independent Research Workshop at Polcanon Music School
(Chord Hero)
We’re hosting a summer vacation DIY challenge workshop for parents and children at Hachibanyama Mihata Hall! Why not join us for a fun time creating memories as music teachers guide you through both playing and building ukuleles?
● “Honmaru Radio” Launches and Tops the Weekly Rankings! (Hideaki Kino, Subscription CFO)
“I want to seriously support serious entrepreneurs.” The radio program “Saku-Talk!!” featuring iU Visiting Professor and Financial Consultant Hideaki Kino as a guest—which focuses on quick cost-cutting—ranked No. 1 out of 600 programs on Honmaru Radio’s weekly access rankings!
We’re hosting online symposia during lunch hours (12:00 PM – 12:55 PM). We look forward to your participation.
・Wednesday, August 20: “Digital Education with Generative AI: What Does Learning Look Like in the Future?” Takuya Honma, CEO of Manabie International Pte. Ltd. (Manabie)
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Professor, Keio University; Ph.D. (Policy and Media)
Director, B Lab
Chairperson, Learning of Tomorrow (General Incorporated Association)
Chairperson, CANVAS
After graduating from the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Tokyo, he served as a visiting researcher at the MIT Media Lab before founding the NPO CANVAS and the Learning of Tomorrow Association, a General Incorporated Association, and assuming the role of representative. He serves as an outside director for Matsuya Co., Ltd., Fuji Media Holdings, Inc., and Digital Garage, Inc.
He has served on various government committees, including the Information and Communications Council of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, as well as the NHK Central Broadcasting Program Council. He also serves as a director of the Digital Signage Consortium, among other roles. He holds a Ph.D. in Policy and Media.
His publications include *Turning On Children’s Creativity!*, *What Are Smart Kids Doing on Their Smartphones?*, *The Forefront of Online Education in Japan: Considering Learning in the Post-COVID Era*,“What Is Programming Education? 45 Questions Parents Want to Know,” and “Declaration on Digital Education.” He has also provided supervision for numerous works, including “Ah, I See! Programming Education for Parents and Children Through Manga.”