Greetings

 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the faculty and staff of the International University of Kagoshima and the greater community of which we are a part for their untiring support of the Regional Research Institute. We are pleased to share our current work with you.

　　　As of April, 2024, a new faculty team has begun the consideration of a new research theme. Together and apart we are researching the use of fieldwork as an educational tool that stimulates students and faculty alike and results in a meaningful – and ideally sustainable – connection between the university and the community. Our membership and our interests are diverse, with faculty representing every department in the university. Ryuta Kawasaki is from the Faculty of Welfare Society, Naoko Inadome is a member of the newly founded Faculty of Nursing, Hitoshi Uchiyama represents the Faculty of Intercultural Studies and Norikatsu Hiraide, Kouta Higuchi and I are members of the Faculty of Economics. Our work enjoys the skillful support of Chika Yamamoto and other members of the university staff. In keeping with the diversity of our backgrounds, we are approaching this and other research related to tourism, disaster response and the like from a variety of angles.

              I would like to note here that the Shimizu Fund is now winding down after a period of eight highly productive years. The International University of Kagoshima is forever grateful for the generosity and vision of Morimitsu and Yoshimitsu Shimizu. We have learned and grown thanks to their support.

 

Jeffrey S. Irish, Director

Regional Research Institute