President, Kyushu University
Director, Kyushu University Institute for Asian and Oceanian Studies (Q-AOS)
Koichi Akashi
Thank you all for joining us for Kyushu University Asia Week 2026.
Located in Fukuoka, the gateway to Asia, Kyushu University has, since its founding in 1911, welcomed numerous international students and researchers as a university open to the Asia-Oceania region, evolving into a hub of knowledge that connects the region with the world. Furthermore, the university has sent outstanding talent to various parts of the world, particularly the Asia-Oceania region, and has contributed to the development of the international community through education and research.
The Kyushu University Institute for Asian and Oceanian Studies (Q-AOS) was established in April 2019, building on the university’s history and strengths. Since then, it has served as a university-wide platform that brings together researchers committed to tackling global challenges through practical activities in research, education, and community engagement, with a focus on collaboration with the Asia-Oceania region.
The challenges facing modern society—such as climate change, natural disasters, biodiversity loss, infectious diseases, food and water resource issues, and demographic shifts—are complex and interrelated, and cannot be resolved by a single discipline or by a single country or region alone. Q-AOS brings together the integrative knowledge from the diverse academic fields concentrated at our university—including the humanities and social sciences, life sciences and natural sciences, and the arts and engineering—and works to solve social challenges through co-creation that transcends disciplinary and organizational boundaries.
In addition, approximately 80 percent of the university’s international students come from the Asia-Oceania region, and many Japanese students have also experienced exchanges or study abroad programs in that region. To further develop this human network, Q-AOS organizes the Kyushu University Forum “KYUDAI NOW” in various countries and regions, working to strengthen the network built by alumni and expand collaboration with educational institutions, businesses, and government agencies.
Furthermore, through initiatives such as the “Brown Bag Seminar” online series, “Asia Week”—which supports the intensive implementation of Asia-related programs—and the development of continuing education programs, we aim to promote intellectual exchange with the world and foster a virtuous cycle (international brain circulation) in which talent, knowledge, and research outcomes circulate freely.
As an organization that embodies the vision of “a university connecting the region to the world,” Q-AOS will contribute to the realization of a sustainable future society and social transformation by creating new value through the resolution of social issues in the Asia-Oceania region, in collaboration with researchers, students, businesses, local governments, and civil society.
During Asia Week, Q-AOS will take the lead in showcasing Kyushu University’s achievements and new developments in Asia-related research and education to domestic and international audiences. This year's Asia Week, themed “Co-Creating the Future in Asia”, will include presentations by early career researchers, reports, cultural experiences, and more over six days.
These events aim to offer opportunities to experience the rich cultural tapestry of the region. We hope you'll join us.