Japanese

From September 21 to 22, 2024, as part of its 75+75th Anniversary Commemorative Ceremony and Events, Hiroshima University (HU) held the "Hiroshima University in Tokyo 2024" event at Hitotsubashi Hall (Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo). The event aimed to showcase the university’s charms to alumni, individuals connected to Hiroshima University, parents and families of current students, as well as the general public, including high school students.

At the opening, President Mitsuo Ochi delivered a greeting, stating, "Hiroshima University has a long history and is still very active today. With your continued support, we aim to further expand our activities. I hope this event will give you a sense of what it is like to be a part of Hiroshima University."

As the program began, biologist and author Dr. Shinichi Fukuoka delivered a lecture on the theme "Reconsidering Life: A Perspective on Dynamic Equilibrium." He explained that the evolution of life progresses through the cooperation and symbiosis of various organisms, a concept that aligns with Hiroshima University’s vision of "building peace."

Following this, Assistant Professor Haruna Katayama introduced Hiroshima University's cutting-edge research with a presentation on "The Universe Within Electrical Circuits," while Professor Hiroyuki Horiuchi explored the theme "Genome Editing and the Future of Food."

On the second day, world-renowned sleep researcher Dr. Masashi Yanagisawa delivered a lecture titled "Unlocking the Mysteries of Sleep: From Basic Research to Sleep Wellness." He highlighted that, from an international perspective, the level of sleep deprivation among Japanese people is unusually high. He also explained that highly productive nations prioritize sufficient sleep and warned that chronic sleep deprivation can contribute to lifestyle diseases and dementia.

Following this, Professor (Special Recognition) Tsutomu Sawai presented on "Co-Creating a Better Society with a Vision for the Near and Distant Future," while Professor Shinichi Tate gave a lecture on "New Frontiers in Science Pioneered by Hiroshima University’s International Institute for Sustainability with Knotted Chiral Meta Matter (WPI-SKCM²)."

Additionally, as part of the 8th Peace Lecture Marathon, H.E. Teimuraz Lezhava, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Georgia to Japan, delivered a lecture titled "Georgia Through the Eyes of an Ambassador." He spoke about his personal background, his connections to Hiroshima, as well as Georgia’s culture, history, and its similarities with Japan.

Ambassador Lezhava emphasized that "Preventing war requires a multifaceted approach, and each individual can contribute in their own way, starting from their immediate surroundings. Strengthening relationships between nations that share common values leads to peace." 

Throughout the two-day event, various attractions were available, including a panel exhibition showcasing Hiroshima University’s history, researchers, and their achievements, a photo corner featuring the university’s mascot "Hiroty," and an admissions consultation booth. These activities created a lively atmosphere, drawing many visitors.

The event was a great success, with over 400 participants in total. We are grateful to everyone who participated!