News & Announcements

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.