Happy New Year, everyone. As we welcome the dawn of a new year, the Year of Hinoe-Uma, I would like to extend my heartfelt greetings to all of you. Hinoe-Uma is part of the traditional Japanese zodiac cycle, combining the element of fire (Hinoe) with the sign of the horse (Uma). It is often seen as a year of strong energy and decisive action, encouraging new challenges and progress. Sixty years ago, in 1966—the previous Hinoe-Uma year—Japan was in the midst of rapid economic growth. It was a time when science and technology advanced at an extraordinary pace, industries flourished, and our nation’s population surpassed 100 million. As we embark on this new year, I sincerely wish for your continued health and success. Moreover, I hope that this year will bring significant strides forward for our university, paving the way for bold achievements and lasting development.
Domestically, we face numerous challenges, including concerns over economic stagnation caused by rising prices, a declining birthrate and labor shortages, and the need for robust disaster preparedness. Internationally, issues such as economic and security uncertainties and humanitarian crises have become increasingly evident. Furthermore, the sustainability of our global environment—so vital for all living beings, including humankind—is now under severe threat, as symbolized by global warming. On the other hand, science and technology, including AI and digital innovations, are advancing at an extraordinary pace. By leveraging these developments, I sincerely hope this year will mark progress in overcoming these challenges and become a year filled with hope and peace. As a brighter note, last year two Japanese researchers were awarded the Nobel Prize. Their achievement serves as a great source of inspiration for researchers and students who dedicate themselves to their work every day. At our university, we will continue to focus on creating an environment where faculty, staff, and students can boldly take on new challenges.
As we welcome the New Year, it marks two years since the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake. I sincerely pray that those affected will return to their normal lives as soon as possible and that the disaster-stricken areas will achieve full recovery and reconstruction. At our university, we uphold the vision of creating “culturally rich communities and towns that are resistant to earthquakes and other disasters, safe, secure, and comfortable for everyone to live in.” The Noto Resilience and Revitalization Center, established under this vision, continues to explore what academia can contribute to the recovery and revitalization of the Noto region. We aim to protect the intrinsic value that Noto possesses while discovering new value within it. Thanks to the support of the national government and local municipalities, preparations for restoring normal operations at our university facilities in the Noto Peninsula are steadily progressing. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for all your contributions thus far. Moving forward, Kanazawa University will remain committed to the recovery and reconstruction of the Noto region and strive to make this year one that further strengthens awareness of disaster prevention, mitigation, and safety management.
Kanazawa University is founded on the fundamental principle of being “a research university dedicated to education, while opening up its doors to both local and global society.” Based on this principle, we have formulated a unwavering future vision— Kokorozashi. This vision is to“contribute to society through ‘Future-oriented Intelligence’ based on an All Kanazawa University approach.” We aspire to remain a university that continuously generates new value through Future-oriented Intelligence. Expanding global research bases is essential for strengthening research capabilities. To achieve this, it is crucial to advance basic research and interdisciplinary research, and accelerate social implementation. Under the framework of the Interfaculty Institute for Frontier Science, we are pursuing excellence in basic research while fostering interdisciplinary studies across the humanities, sciences, and medicine. Among these initiatives, we have been vigorously advancing the “Program for Forming Japan's Peak Research Universities (J-PEAKS).” Our goal is to form world-class bases for discontinuous innovation. University-wide efforts to enhance basic and interdisciplinary research and to promote empirical research for social implementation are now fully underway. In addition to Biomass Green Innovation Center (BGIC), which fosters co-creation with industry, the MIRAICHI Research Center serves as a driving force for empirical research. The Hokuriku regional startup platform, “Tech Startup HOKURIKU (TeSH)” and the venture capital initiative “Vision Incubate” are also actively engaged in supporting innovation. We will continue to work together as a research university, advancing these projects with determination and vigor.
In education, we adhere to the principle of self-study as stated in the University Charter, and under the Interfaculty Institute for Future Education, we are further enhancing learner-centered education. It is essential that Kanazawa University remains a place where students feel proud to have studied. This year, we will celebrate the graduation of the first cohort from the School of Tourism Sciences and Design. Furthermore, graduate school reform is one of the most critical missions of our Kokorozashi. In September last year, we were selected for the “Future-Leading and Advanced Graduate-Schools.” We will continue to advance graduate education based on thorough industry-academia collaboration and comprehensive internationalization. The importance of deepening expertise in each specialized field at the graduate level goes without saying. In addition, it is vital not only to accumulate knowledge but also to understand its essence, apply it in practice, and transform it into wisdom—this is the very spirit of Kakubutsu Chichi (格物致知). The number of researchers who continue their work at our university as Promising Researchers after earning their doctoral degrees is increasing. Moreover, we have strengthened the STELLA Program, expanding an integrated educational model that supports students from before university admission through to independence as researchers. To all students, I hope you will pursue your studies and research with high aspirations, experiencing the excitement and joy of learning and research, while developing your character and achieving great leaps forward.
Kanazawa University aims to create a campus where “the international is an everyday presence and where everyday life is internationally oriented.” As members of the global society, we must continuously recognize social issues as our own, question them, think critically, and take action toward overcoming them. Regardless of circumstances, we are expected to keep striving to create new values that lead to a brighter future. To achieve this, learning to understand diverse cultures, fostering tolerance, and embracing coexistence are essential. As a global research university, fostering a diverse and inclusive environment is a priority to which we are strongly dedicated. Together with the Institute for Promotion of Diversity and Inclusion, we are committed to creating and maintaining an environment where all members respect one another. Furthermore, advancing internationalization is indispensable. Initiatives such as the “Multicultural Campus Project Toward Social Impact” and the “Inter-University Exchange Project” serve as driving forces for this progress. Through contributions based on Future-oriented Intelligence, Kanazawa University will continue to evolve as an institution that creates new values for the future in the international community.
As we approach the final two years of the fourth mid-term target period, preparations are underway for the fifth period, which will begin in fiscal year 2028. In April of this year, the Seventh Science, Technology, and Innovation Basic Plan will also commence. Through dialogue and collaboration with all of you, we will continue to promote various initiatives under an “All-Kanazawa University” framework to further advance the university. Building mutual understanding and trust with diverse stakeholders is essential. While respecting the perspectives of students and faculty, we aim to accelerate reforms and challenges. We have also made progress in building strong teams. I sincerely appreciate your understanding and cooperation. The government’s draft budget for fiscal year 2026 was approved by the Cabinet at the end of last year. For the first time, the Basic Policy on Economic and Fiscal Management and Reform 2025 includes references to rising prices, management expense grant, and university hospitals, which are reflected in the budget considerations. In addition to government funding measures, we will continue to strengthen external funding acquisition and enhance financial management to achieve a fiscal structure aligned with the times. Through these efforts, we aim to establish sustainable and autonomous operations and management that create a virtuous cycle of people, knowledge, and society.
At the start of 2026, we renew our commitment to achieving our future vision, Kokorozashi, based on our fundamental principles. I firmly believe that people are our greatest asset and treasure. Realizing “Kanazawa University where people shine” and “Kanazawa University that shines globally” through the efforts of each individual is of utmost importance. For this, your understanding and cooperation are indispensable. Together, in harmony and collaboration, we will continue to work under the “All-Kanazawa University” approach to achieve remarkable progress and contribute to society both domestically and internationally. I sincerely ask for your continued support throughout this year.
- President's New Year Address for 2026（Video）(For internal use only)
WADA Takashi, President of Kanazawa University
January 5, 2026
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