News & Announcements
An interview with Associate Professor Kurashina was Introduced on JV-Campus (Japan Virtual Campus)
An interview with Assoc.Prof. Kurashina from the Center for Language Education and Research, who developed the Japanese video learning materials “Lesson for Useful Expressions in Japanese,” was introduced on JV-Campus (Japan Virtual Campus).
https://www.jv-campus.org/en/nihongo-hiroba/report/363866/
International University of Japan names new Chairperson
The International University of Japan (IUJ) is pleased to announce that Mr. Fumiya Kokubu, Director, Member of the Board, Executive Corporate Advisor of Marubeni Corporation, has been appointed as the new Chairperson of the Board of Trustees at the Board meeting held on June 17, 2025. His appointment became effective on the same day.
Message from the New Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, International University of Japan
<Profile of Mr. Fumiya Kokubu, New Chairperson>
Born in 1952
March 1975: Graduated from the Faculty of Economics, Keio University
April 1975: Joined Marubeni Corporation
April 2005: Executive Officer, Marubeni Corporation
April 2008: Managing Executive Officer
June 2008: Representative Director and Managing Executive Officer
April 2010: Senior Managing Executive Officer
April 2012: Executive Vice President
June 2012: Representative Director and Executive Vice President
April 2013: President and CEO
April 2019: Chairperson of the Board
April 2025: Director, Member of the Board, Executive Corporate Advisor (to present)
June 2025: Appointed Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, International University of Japan (to present)
Major Organizational Roles
Chairperson, Japan Foreign Trade Council, Inc. (May 2022 – May 2024)
Japan Representative, APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) (July 2021 – January 2025)
Chairperson, Japan Machinery Center for Trade and Investment (May 2022 – Present)
Chairperson, Special Committee on Economic Reconstruction of Ukraine, Keidanren (Japan Business Federation) (June 2023 – Present)
Mr. Shoei Utsuda, who had served as Chairman since June 1, 2015, has stepped down upon completion of his term. During his tenure, he played a vital role in the development and management of IUJ. Under his leadership, IUJ launched a number of innovative educational programs aligned with the needs of the times, including the Japan-Global Development Program (JGDP), the Digital Transformation Program (DXP), and the Social Entrepreneurship Program (ISEP). He also spearheaded the university’s 40th Anniversary initiatives and strengthened IUJ’s networks with industry, government, and academia. His contributions have significantly advanced not only the university but also the broader Japanese economy.
IUJ International Festival 2025 was held on May 24th
On May 24, the International Festival 2025 was held, co-hosted by International University and the City of Minamiuonuma.
Approximately 1,800 visitors, including local residents, attended the event held at International University’s gymnasium and outdoor plaza.
As an opportunity for visitors to observe an actual Graduate School class, an open lecture was held, attracting many attendees including Open Campus participants and members of the general public. The lecture was delivered in English by Vice President Professor Hiroshi Kato on the theme of Japan’s International Development Cooperation.
At the food booths, students from 16 different countries and regions participated, offering dishes from their home countries. While serving authentic flavors, they enjoyed engaging with visitors and sharing their cultures through conversation and food.
At the stage event, students dressed in traditional attire and 17 groups, including one from Japan, showcased their cultures through dance, music, and other performances.
In addition, a variety of special performances were held, including traditional Awa Odori dance by local volunteers, a joint chorus by International University and Niigata Kokusai Joho High School (KJ) , and a brass band performance by Yamato Junior High School.
This lively event, which brought together local residents and students, was filled with energy from start to finish and concluded with great success.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who attended.
We hope this event served as an opportunity to learn more about IUJ, foster connections across cultures, and further promote international understanding.
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Public Relations
media@iuj.ac.jp
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