The five national university corporations in Shikoku, including Tokushima University (Naruto University of Education, Kagawa University, Ehime University, Kochi University, and Tokushima University), established the General Incorporated Association Shikoku Regional Universities Network Organization (hereinafter referred to as the "Organization"), in March 2021 and are promoting business development to enhance human resource development, revitalize research and promote social collaboration.

¡¡In order to enhance human resource development, one of the activities of the organization, we have established the Shikoku Human Resource Development Academy under the Organization. By holding discussions and study sessions on various major issues that affect the entire Shikoku region, we aim to develop human resources who can lead the region and tackle the solutions to Shikoku's current issues.

¡¡On November 18th, 2024, the Shikoku Human Resource Development Academy Symposium was held in the Fujii Memorial Institute of Medical Sciences of Tokushima University, co-hosted by the Organization and Tokushima University, with an online session also available. Approximately 110 people attended including not only university faculty and staff but also students and business people.

¡¡Professor Hamanaka Junko of the Faculty of Education and Integrated Arts and Sciences, Waseda University, gave the keynote speech entitled "Questioning the Gender Gap in University Entrance." Afterwards, Professor Hamanaka, Mr. Takahashi Ken of Shikoku Kakoki Co., Ltd., Ms. Kondo Yuki of the Tokushima Economic Research Institute and faculty members from five universities in Shikoku shared case studies from their respective organizations and universities and exchanged opinions on the theme of "Considering the human resource development required in the ‘shin’ era of women's empowerment." 

¡¡It was a valuable opportunity to look at the problems and issues facing the Shikoku region and think about future human resource development.

Opening Remarks (Mr. Sako Hidekazu, Representative Director of the Organization: President of Naruto University of Education)


Opening Remarks (Mr. Kawamura Yasuhiko, Director of the Organization: President of Tokushima University)


Keynote Speech (Professor Hamanaka Junko, Waseda University)


Panel Discussion
(from the left: Ms. Murasawa Fumie; Vice President for Public Relations, Tokushima University; Professor Hamanaka Junko, Waseda University;
Ms. Kondo Yuki, the Tokushima Economic Research Institute; Mr. Takahashi Ken, Shikoku Kakoki Co., Ltd.)


Panel Discussion


Closing Remarks (Vice Representative Director of the Organization: President of Ehime University)