Hiroshima University, Higashihiroshima City, and Fujita Corporation signed an agreement last July 2, promoting comprehensive cooperation to achieve Society 5.0 and develop a smart city in Higashihiroshima City and surrounding areas.

Through this agreement, the three parties aim to create a new industry-government-academia cooperation model for regional development.

The purpose of this agreement is to contribute to global and regional development by promoting the establishment of an environment for innovation and academic research, developing human resources, and fostering industry-government-academia collaboration.

Based on its founding spirit of a single unified university, free and pursuing peace, HU aims to practice Science for Sustainable Development, including the achievement of carbon neutrality by 2030, through a virtuous cycle of global expansion and local development. The agreement will accelerate this goal and lead HU to become a university with a world-class research and education environment adapted to the post-COVID era — as it pursues initiatives for international expansion through partnerships with Arizona State University and local governments in the region.

In the Fifth Higashihiroshima City Comprehensive Plan, formulated in 2020, Higashihiroshima City has set out a vision for its future as "an international academic research city rich in nature that takes on the challenges of the future." Using advanced technologies such as AI and big data to develop measures to solve local issues, the city will work together with HU to promote the "Town & Gown" concept, aiming to create a "friendly city of the future" through collaboration with businesses and universities.

In April 2021, Fujita Corporation established the Hiroshima Head Office, aiming to contribute to the local community and develop the region through participation in redevelopment and urban planning.

In Higashihiroshima City — the hometown of the company founder — Fujita has been involved from the conceptual stage in new urban development through industry-government-academia collaboration and by providing their experience and expertise in urban development, ICT technology for disaster prevention and the environment, and digital urban simulation technology. We aim to create a smart city where a diverse range of people can live together, and everyone can enjoy a healthy life.

1. Matters relating to the smartification and greening of Hiroshima University's Higashi-Hiroshima Campus.
2. Realization of Society 5.0 and smart cities in Higashihiroshima City and surrounding areas.
3. Support for the creation of innovations necessary for the realization of Society 5.0 and smart cities.
4. Academic research necessary for the realization of Society5.0 and smart cities.
5. Education necessary for the realization of Society 5.0 and smart cities.
6. International development of Society 5.0 and smart cities.
7. Other matters approved by the three parties.

The smart city concept for Higashhiroshima will be developed together with all parties concerned.