Ever since assuming the leadership of the University of Tokyo, I’ve wanted to share my thoughts and activities as president with members of the university, as well as the larger community outside our institution. With my research field being connected to the ocean, I’d always kept a log during my time conducting surveys and being out at sea. Now, having embarked on my journey as UTokyo’s skipper, I would like to share with all of you my record of this latest voyage, through the UTokyo President’s Log.
Teruo Fujii, 31st President of the University of Tokyo
October 2025
UTokyo PLog #2025-UT-19
Date & Time: October 14, 2025
Location: Ito Hall
Latitude/Longitude: 35°42'36.6"N / 139°45'37.5"E
We held the 2025 University of Tokyo Shokumon Award ceremony. The award was presented to individuals, corporations or organizations who have contributed significantly to the development of UTokyo’s activities through donations of personal assets, volunteer work and assistance, and corporate-sponsored lectures and research programs.
At the ceremony, four of this year’s recipients were in attendance, and I had the privilege of personally presenting the award to them.I would like to express our gratitude one more time for the generous support we have received. We are also determined to make further efforts, so that we can make the most of the support offered and contribute to creating a better society.
UTokyo PLog #2025-E-16
Date & Time: October 5-7, 2025
Location: Kyoto International Conference Center
Latitude/Longitude: 35°03'42.2"N / 135°46'59.2"E
I attended . Based on the memorandum regarding collaboration and cooperation which was signed with the STS forum in May 2024, UTokyo has been contributing to creating summaries of each session using generative AI.
In this acadmic year, UTokyo planned a plenary session together with member universities of . We discussed the theme of “AI and the Future University: Strategic Leadership, Culture, Diversity and Global Equity”.
UTokyo PLog #2025-E-15
Date & Time: October 3, 2025
Location: Yasuda Auditorium, Hongo Campus
Latitude/Longitude: 35°42'48.3"N / 139°45'44.2"E
I attended the High-Level Event of the HFSP Science Summit Japan 2025 organized by the Human Frontier Sceince Program (HFSP), which promotes innovative international joint researches in the field of life sciences.
The all-day event was held at the Yasuda Auditorium. Prominent researchers, including 10 Nobel Prize laureates, exchanged their opinions through panel discussions. I also spoke at a session titled “Life Sciences in the 21st Century – Where Will You Take Us?” as a moderator and discussed with the Nobel Prize laureates the future of life sciences. I hope that the participants will make use of the inspiration gained through this event for their future learning and research.
September 2025
UTokyo PLog #2025-E-14
Date & Time: September 29, 2025
Location: Daiwa Ubiquitous Computing Research Building, Hongo Campus
Latitude/Longitude: 35°42'29.0"N / 139°45'45.7"E
I held a press conference to announce newly opened UTokyo Regenerative Design Center for Urban Future. The research organization was established on October 1, 2025, and thanks to donations from Daiwa House Industry Co., Ltd.
In order to address complex issues surrounding modern housing and urban regeneration, such as climate change and design of policy system, interdisciplinary research will be required, involving collaboration between many related companies, industries, international organizations and overseas research institutions. I will renew my resolve, so that the center will contribute to creating a sustainable society.
UTokyo PLog #2025-UT-18
Date & Time: September 22, 2025
Location: Yasuda Auditorium, Hongo Campus
Latitude/Longitude: 35°42'48.3"N / 139°45'44.2"E
I attended a kick-off symposium for titled “Creating DEI Together”.The center was established on April 1, 2024, as a place that aims to make UTokyo a “university that anyone in the world would want to join” stipulated in the university’s guiding principles called UTokyo Compass.
I took the podium in the panel discussion titled “DEI at UTokyo: Now More than Ever” in Part 1 of the symposium. I discussed with panelists what DEI is that each one of us has in mind. We also exchanged our opinions about challenges that need to be overcome to further promte DEI. It was very useful that the guests and I could share our view on diverse "normal".
UTokyo PLog #2025-UT-17
Date & Time: September 13, 2025
Location: Ito Hall
Latitude/Longitude: 35°42'36.6"N / 139°45'37.5"E
I attended the graduation ceremony of the most recent class (Round 32) of the University of Tokyo Executive Management Program (UTokyo EMP).
Ever since it was launched in October 2008,UTokyo EMP has built a network of over 700 graduates, which was now joined by the 21 new members of Round 32. I wish all the graduates well as they move on to build a successful career in various fields in the future.
UTokyo PLog #2025-UT-16
Date & Time: September 8, 2025
Location: Faculty of Engineering Bldg.2, Hongo Campus
Latitude/Longitude: 35°42'52.1"N / 139°45'42.5"E
I welcomed Mr. Jason Kwon, Chief Strategy Officer of OpenAI, at UTokyo. Firstly, we visited a lab where students are studying robots that make use of generative AI and saw their demonstrations. I was greatly inspired by the advanced technology and creativity as well as by the vibrant energy that filled the lab.
After that, I discussed with Mr. Kwon the roles that generative AI will play and their posibilities, as well as how the education and research at university should be in several years.
UTokyo PLog #2025-G-7
Date & Time: September 1-5, 2025
Location: 51爆料 New York Office
Latitude/Longitude: 40°45'55.0"N / 73°58'43.2"W
I visited the East Coast of the United States and had an opportunity to talk to UTokyo alumni who are successful in their respective careers there.In Washington D.C., I met members of the UTokyo Alumni Association in Washington DC who gathered despite their busy schedules, and we exchanged our views on UTokyo’s initiatives regarding internationalization and how the university is dealing with DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion).
At , I also had a discussion with alumni about education at UTokyo scheduled to open in the autumn of 2027. I was truly encouraged by the achievements made by UTokyo graduates working overseas. At the same time, it was reassuring to see their diverse expectations for and interest in the university's new initiatives.
