Messages from Tokyo Tech’s executive vice presidents

Tokyo Tech is making great new strides. Under the leadership of President Masu, the realization of the Team Tokyo Tech initiative has unveiled a new dimension in the Institute's capacity to create lasting societal impact through outstanding education and research. Enhancements in Tokyo Tech's teaching and learning, research organizations, and overall governance — in effect since academic year 2016 — continue to raise expectations regarding the Institute's potential. To respond to these expectations, Tokyo Tech strives to be recognized as a reliable, go-to institution that provides solutions to the most challenging, pressing issues through the coordination of exceptional individuals across the Institute. This is the goal of Team Tokyo Tech.

At the same time, the Institute must match the pace set by the world's leading universities. In an age when science, technology, and the education of the world's students are increasingly borderless and societal problems are global, Tokyo Tech aims to enhance its academic and societal presence across the globe through increased collaboration and competition. My mission is to help realize this aim by strengthening the Institute's cornerstones — planning and strategy, human resources, and communications — in order to foster an environment where all students, faculty, and staff can pursue their passions while being proud members of the Team.

Education and research are the two fundamental wheels propelling any university. In order to keep these wheels well-oiled amidst the dynamic trend of globalization, it is essential for Tokyo Tech to adopt an increasingly broad view when examining the quality of its education and research, and asserting its status among the world's leading universities. Boldly taking on new challenges and nurturing professionals capable of creating a better future are missions that the Institute continues to embrace.

To achieve these missions more effectively, Tokyo Tech extensively reformed its education system in academic year 2016. This facilitated a learning environment that encourages students to address global issues proactively, open up new opportunities through science and technology, and ultimately, create a better world. These students, who have a passion for learning, will not only respond more efficiently to the needs of society, but will also be the central driving force in extending Tokyo Tech's global reach in the next decade.

Together with faculty and staff, I look forward to continuously improving the unique environment that Tokyo Tech has to offer and extending the Institute's influence as a center of outstanding education and research.

Through original, cutting-edge research, Tokyo Tech aims to contribute to the creation of a sustainable world through science and technology, and strives to be a university that enjoys the full confidence of all members of society. Comprehensive research enhancements were put in place in 2016, and my mission is to ensure that these enhancements continue to bear fruit and evolve.

With continuous development of its research strengths and active collaboration across disciplinary borders, the Institute seeks to create research opportunities and findings that carry the signature of a revitalized Tokyo Tech. The "wow factor" is invariably the main source of inspiration for researchers, and Tokyo Tech is committed to providing an environment where everyone can experience this excitement while progressing towards new frontiers.

Generating increased interest in and access to Tokyo Tech research is a key factor in strengthening the Institute's impact on society. Members of Tokyo Tech are working together to present their discoveries in such a way that they not only meet the needs and expectations of industry partners, but also appeal to the general public.

As a national university that enjoys substantial support from the Japanese government, Tokyo Tech is expected to develop professionals who guide the nation through fluctuating socioeconomic landscapes, and to lead innovative research and development that eludes the scope of private corporations. In order to meet these demands, the Institute should confidently rely on its strengths, but must also provide sufficient leeway for the researcher's creative spirit of inquiry and room for expansion in the liberal arts.

My role as the principal steward of Tokyo Tech's finances is to help achieve these developments through collaborative oversight and unreserved cooperation across the Institute. Appropriately allocating resources while considering the needs of all stakeholders is crucial, and, rather than settling for the first compromise in view, I strive to explore all dimensions during the decision-making process — something I have aimed to do for the past two years in this post.

As secretary-general, my main duty is to ensure that all Tokyo Tech members work in an environment of respect and dignity. Such an environment encourages faculty and staff members to develop effective partnerships, technical and administrative staff to actively and confidently put forth new plans and proposals, and the Institute as a whole to stand tall as a firm fortress of integrity and compliance.