An interview with President Watanabe was published in “Newsweek International
An interview with President Watanabe was published in “Newsweek International” (international edition) on November 8, 2024. Newsweek International is a weekly international news magazine first published in the U.S. in 1933, and both print and digital editions are subscribed to worldwide.
The article, titled “Hokkaido: University Study in a Global World,” introduces the University's initiatives and vision for the future, including the efforts of the International Studies Department and the acceptance of international students.
This article is based on an interview with “The Worldfolio” in August 2024. (Japanese translation of the article) Hokkaido Bunkyo University was established in 1999, but its origins date back to the establishment of the Hokkaido Girl's Nutrition School in 1942. The university, whose educational philosophy is based on the spirit of practical learning, currently has three faculties and seven departments.
The School of International Studies accepts students from Japan and abroad, and in the words of President Toshihiro Watanabe, its purpose is to “cultivate local and global knowledge. Only by fostering internationally minded individuals can we promote globalization and harmony,” says President Watanabe. says President Watanabe.
If the School of International Studies is a means of encouraging international students to pursue degrees in Japan, the School of Medical and Health Sciences aims to develop leaders who can respond to Hokkaido's rapidly aging population. President Watanabe says, “We offer an educational program that provides students with the skills and knowledge they need to be active in a preventive society.” He says. Meanwhile, the newly established Department of Regional Futures in the Faculty of Human Sciences aims to build and maintain a sustainable society by utilizing regional characteristics and local resources.
Looking to the future, the university is currently strengthening its digital transformation efforts to maximize the use of artificial intelligence in its educational programs. As part of its 100-year vision, the university also hopes to increase its student population to 3,000. This is an ambitious proposal that will leverage partnerships with other universities and communities, both nationally and internationally.
He concluded, “Our aim is to develop human resources with deep practical knowledge and the ability to contribute to society. We want the international community to see Hokkaido Bunkyo University as a university that raises the bar for professionalism and fosters individuals with practical skills.” He concluded.
● The full interview can be viewed on “The Worldforio” page.