Ever since assuming the leadership of the University of Tokyo, I’ve wanted to share my thoughts and activities as president with members of the university, as well as the larger community outside our institution. With my research field being connected to the ocean, I’d always kept a log during my time conducting surveys and being out at sea. Now, having embarked on my journey as UTokyo’s skipper, I would like to share with all of you my record of this latest voyage, through the UTokyo President’s Log.
Teruo Fujii, 31st President of the University of Tokyo
August 2025
UTokyo PLog #2025-G-6
Date & Time: August 25, 2025
Location: Biomedicum, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden
Latitude/Longitude: 59°20'57.0"N / 18°01'35.8"E Open in Google Maps
I attended a launch event of the international collaboration program between UTokyo and Karolinska Institutet of Sweden. The program is called “The University of Tokyo - Karolinska Institutet LINK (UTokyo-KI LINK).” UTokyo has been committed to advancing world-class research by building overseas research hubs in collaboration with international institutions. The UTokyo-KI LINK Lab, located within Karolinska Institutet, has been recognized as the first overseas hub of our “international collaborative research labs.”
At the event, researchers from both Karolinska Institutet and UTokyo gave presentations. We also had networking opportunities with local industry, government, and academic institutions.
UTokyo PLog #2025-UT-15
Date & Time: August 7, 2025
Location: Koshiba Hall, Hongo Campus
Latitude/Longitude: 35°42'50.4"N / 139°45'47.4"E Open in Google Maps
I attended a symposium which took place on the last day of a joint summer program hosted by UTokyo in collaboration with Asian University for Women (AUW) of Bangladesh.Keeping in mind this year’s theme “Growing Up as/with Immigrants and Refugees,” AUW and UTokyo students deepened their thoughts on a society where diverse people including immigrants and refugees can live together peacefully through lectures by experts in and outside UTokyo, discussions and field trips outside the campus.
At the symposium that concluded the program, the students reflected on what they had learned and conducted critiques and discussions regarding films about immigrants and refugees. I participated in a Q&A session and exchanged opinions with them.
July 2025
UTokyo PLog #2025-E-13
Date & Time: July 12, 2025
Location: Clark Memorial Student Center, Hokkaido University
Latitude/Longitude: 43°04'11.2"N / 141°20'36.3"E Open in Google Maps
I attended the opening ceremony of the 64th Seven Universities Athletic Meet (7-Univ.), which was hosted by Hokkaido University. UTokyo is aiming to win the championship with the highest-ever score in its history, and students are all working very hard in various competitions.
After the opening ceremony, there was a reception, where students from each university showed me their enthusiasm toward the competitions. I got energized by their positive vibes.
UTokyo PLog #2025-UT-14
Date & Time: July 9, 2025
Location: Yasuda Auditorium, Hongo Campus
Latitude/Longitude: 35°42'48.3"N / 139°45'44.2"E Open in Google Maps
I attended this year’s meeting for donors of the University of Tokyo Foundation.The gathering takes place annually to thank donors in person for their support, as well as report on the fund’s activities and achievements.
After reporting everything, we presented special certificates of appreciation to those who had contributed a particularly large sum. We also had the opportunity to have a talk with the donors in person.
UTokyo PLog #2025-UT-13
Date & Time: July 8, 2025
Location: Tetsumon Memorial Hall, 14th floor, Faculty of Medicine Experimental Research Building
Latitude/Longitude: 35°42'34.8"N / 139°45'44.7"E Open in Google Maps
In 2005, a UTokyo member died due to an accident during diving work. The university designated July 4, on which the accident occurred, as UTokyo Safety Day to enhance safety and health awareness in educational and research activities, prevent accidents and disasters from occurring and establish a culture of safety, so the tragedy does not fade from our memory. To that end, we have held the annual lecture around this time each year.
We invited lecturers from inside and outside UTokyo to speak under this year’s theme of safety and risks related to outdoor activities and their countermeasures. There was also a ceremony in which awards were presented to winners of the UTokyo Environment, Health & Safety Slogan Contest.As the university continues to expand the scope of its activities, I would like to once again review the safety awareness of all members and further enhance the safety and health initiatives at UTokyo.
UTokyo PLog #2025-UT-12
Date & Time: July 2, 2025
Location: Yasuda Auditorium, Hongo Campus
Latitude/Longitude: 35°42'48.3"N / 139°45'44.2"E Open in Google Maps
I participated in a pre-recording of a roundtable discussion “Talk with the President about UTokyo Sports Today: Discussion between currently enrolled female students and the President about how they are involved in sports at UTokyo.” Based on UTokyo's “Sports Compass” philosophy, I talked with students about the appeal of student life through sports and various forms of learning. The discussion will be streamed during the University of Tokyo Open Campus 2025 to be held online on August 5 and 6.
In addition to that, we have prepared a number of other programs for people from various fields, including high school students and others who are thinking about entering universities, so that they can learn about the education and research conducted at UTokyo, and how the university is connected to society. We look forward to you signing up.
