Imagine sprawling grounds where innovation meets nature. This is Kyushu University Ito Campus. It is one of Japan’s largest university campuses.
Kyushu University Ito Campus represents a new era. It is a leading institution of higher education and research. Here, the future is being shaped. This campus is more than just buildings. It is a testament to Kyushu University’s commitment to growth. It embraces the environment.
In 1991, Kyushu University decided on a bold move. It planned to relocate to Ito Campus. This involved integrating the Ropponmatsu and Hakozaki campuses. The Haru-machi University Farm was included. The moving process started in 2005. It finally reached completion in 2018.
The result is impressive. Ito Campus stretches 2.5 km long. It extends 3 km wide. The area covers over 272 hectares. A completion ceremony marked this milestone. It took place at Shiiki Hall on September 29, 2018.
Around 1,000 people attended this event. These included members of the National Diet and MEXT. Representatives from foreign diplomatic missions were present. Local government officials also attended. University officials, business leaders, and alumni joined. Stakeholders involved in building the campus participated.
The Kyushu University Philharmonic Orchestra began the ceremony. President Kubo expressed gratitude. He thanked everyone who supported the university’s relocation. He announced the Ito Campus Declaration. This expressed commitment to the future. Kyushu University was entering a new era.
Parliamentary Secretary Noriko Miyagawa spoke. She represented Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi. Congratulatory addresses followed. Speakers included Taro Aso and Seiichi Matsuo. Soichiro Takashima, Yutaka Aso, Hiroshi Ogawa, and Masayoshi Nuki also spoke.
Vice President Hiroto Yasuura introduced Ito Campus. He used slides and video. He explained the campus’s modern facilities. He highlighted the environmental precautions taken.
Nobel laureate Prof. Yoshinori Ohsumi gave a lecture. He discussed basic research at universities. He shared his expectations for Kyushu University researchers. The celebrations moved to East Zone 1.
Speeches were given by Atsushi Koga and Shojiro Nishio. Itoshima City Mayor Yuji Tsukigata also spoke. Guests participated in a kagami biraki ceremony. This celebrated the new campus’s success.
Additional ceremonies marked the opening of relocated departments. These included the Central Library and the Faculty of Agriculture. An academic festival occurred at Shiiki Hall. Students, faculty, and alumni held a talk show. There was a research fair and campus tours. The public experienced the university.
Ito Campus divides into three zones. The Center Zone hosts core education facilities. It also houses administrative offices. The West Zone features large-scale education and research buildings. The East Zone completed the relocation project.
The Central Library is a highlight. It features an active learning space named Kyuto Commons. East Building 1 includes an inner mall. It has a language practice room.
The Coevolutionary Social System Innovation Center offers seminar rooms. Large Lecture Room I provides student salons. Furniture made from Fukuoka Prefecture materials enhances the spaces. This promotes local production.
Kyushu University Ito Campus stands as Japan’s largest. It houses around 19000 students and faculty. It is a blend of innovation and nature. The campus preserves the environment. It is open to the local community. It marks a new chapter for Kyushu University.