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
March 2026
UTokyo PLog #2026-E-1
Date & Time: March 9, 2026
Location: Yasuda Auditorium, Hongo Campus
Latitude/Longitude: 35°42'48.3"N / 139°45'44.1"E Open in Google Maps
I held a press conference to announce the establishment of the Machining Transformation Research Center (MX Center). Supported by a generous endowment from DMG MORI Co., Ltd., the MX Center will be launched within the Graduate School of Engineering on April 1, 2026 as a new endowment-funded research organization.
Japan’s manufacturing sector faces a range of challenges that must be addressed over the coming generations, including declining global competitiveness, a shortage of skilled human resources, energy constraints, and increasing environmental burdens. I hope that the research conducted at the MX Center will contribute globally to addressing challenges on the manufacturing floor and, ultimately, to the realization of a better future society.