On September 3, 2025, a lecture event was held at UTokyoNY as a part of the Ochanomizu University 150th Anniversary University Management Visionary Development Project, commemorating the 150th anniversary of Ochanomizu University.
This project aims to foster female leadership in university management, promote DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) in higher education, and cultivate role models among female researchers and students. It also seeks to build social capital across institutions and disciplines. This lecture event was organized with the support of the University of Tokyo.
The event began with opening remarks by President Sasaki of Ochanomizu University, which highlighted the philosophy and significance of the project.
Next, Mr. Satoshi Miura, President of JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization) New York, delivered a lecture. He introduced JETRO’s activities and discussed the expansion of Japanese companies in the U.S., efforts to build relationships with local communities, and the organization’s support for collaboration with universities.
Following this, Mr. Hiroyuki Nakashima, the Resident Executive Officer and Regional Head for the Americas of JBIC (Japan Bank for International Cooperation), spoke about JBIC’s role as a policy-based financial institution. He addressed geopolitical risks, support for securing resources, and efforts toward global environmental conservation.
Professor Merit Janow, Dean Emerita of School of International and Public Affairs, Columbia University, then spoke about the advancement of women in higher education in the U.S. and around the world. While female enrollment rates have risen globally, she pointed out that gender imbalances persist in STEM fields and among university leadership. Emphasizing the need for institutional reform and cultural transformation to advance gender equity in academia, she left a vivid impression on the participants.
The event concluded with closing remarks by President Fujii of the University of Tokyo, in which he referred to the significance of the relationships across institutional boundaries cultivated through this project. Participants included nine female faculty members who were selected as fellows from Ochanomizu University, Kyoto University, and the University of Tokyo, along with executives and representatives from each institution. The lectures were followed by a lively networking session, which further deepened the exchange among participants.
