On May 27th, 2026, a 21-member delegation—comprising university administrators from nine South Korean specialized colleges, including President Choi Jae-won of Pusan National University and President Kim Young-do of Dong-Eui Institute of Technology representing the Pusan Regional Association of University Presidents—visited Tokushima University for global benchmarking training under the RISE (Regional Innovation System & Education) program. Representing Tokushima University to welcome the delegation were President Kawamura, Board Members Akaike and Fujimoto, Vice President Yasuzawa, and Special Assistant to the President Fukui, and representing Tokushima Prefectural Government, Deputy Department Head/Chief Officer Kawahara also participated in the welcome.
The proceedings began with a welcome address from President Kawamura, followed by remarks from the visiting delegation's representatives: President Choi Jae-won, Chair of the Pusan Reginal Association of University Presidents, and President Kim Young-do, Chair of the Korean Association of Junior Colleges.
Next, Vice President Yasuzawa provided an overview of Tokushima University. This was followed by presentations on specific initiatives: Associate Professor Kawasaki of the Center for Community Engagement and Lifelong Learning spoke on the "COC+R Project"; Deputy Department Head/Chief Officer Kawahara from Tokushima Prefectural Government spoke on the "Grant Program for Regional Revitalization through Universities and Industry"; the Special Assistant to the President Fukui explained the "Program for Forming Japan's Peak Research Universities (J-PEAKS)"; and President Choi Jae-won outlined the "Regional Revitalization Project at Pusan National University."
After a lively exchange of views, the visit concluded with a commemorative gift presentation and a group photograph.
This served as a valuable opportunity to deepen mutual understanding, as Tokushima Prefecture and the Pusan region of South Korea share many regional challenges—such as retaining young people locally—and commonalities can be found between the various initiatives of Tokushima University and the RISE program in the Pusan region.
It was agreed that this visit would pave the way for further information exchange and interaction moving forward.
President Kawamura delivering the welcome address.
President Choi Jae-won of Pusan National University delivering speech
President Kin Young-do of Dong-Eui Institute of Technology delivering speech
Overview of the project explanation
Group photo
