[Okayama University] President Yasutomo Nasu Speaks at Panel Discussion - Towards Realizing a Forest Circular Economy in Collaboration with the Region

April 6, 2026 Okayama University https://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/ ◆ Overview On March 30, 2026, at the Okayama Convention Center, the "Nikkei Regional Revitalization Forum: 'Creating Wooden Town Development and Realizing a Forest Circular Economy'," sponsored by Nikkei Inc., was held, and President Yasutomo Nasu of Okayama University took the stage in a panel discussion. At this forum, discussions were held from the perspectives of local governments, companies, financial institutions, and universities on revitalizing the regional economy using forest resources and realizing a sustainable society to solve regional issues such as population decline and an aging society. In the panel discussion "Towards the Creation of Wooden Town Development and the Realization of a Forest Circular Economy," opinions were exchanged on the university's initiatives and role, alongside the Governor of Okayama Prefecture and corporate representatives. President Nasu introduced the "Co-Education and Co-Creation Commons (OUX)," a lecture building using CLT (Cross-Laminated Timber), as a symbolic facility of wooden architecture at the university, stating, "The power of wood has a positive effect on the learning environment and is highly evaluated by students." He also touched upon research and human resource development initiatives related to wood materials and wooden architecture in the Faculty of Engineering, emphasizing, "We will contribute to the forest circular economy through research and education." Furthermore, as the significance of wooden architecture grows from the perspectives of effective utilization of forest resources and CO2 sequestration, discussions were held on the importance of industry-academia-government collaboration. The university demonstrated its stance on contributing to the realization of a sustainable society while cooperating with the local community. Okayama University will continue to promote education and research towards realizing a sustainable society while deepening collaboration with the region and industry. Please continue to look forward to the efforts of Okayama University: an open regional core and distinctive research university. Mr. Ryuta Ibaragi (Governor of Okayama Prefecture) Mr. Yasutomo Nasu (President of Okayama University) Mr. Yasunori Saimyoji (Managing Executive Officer, Chugin Financial Group & Director and Managing Executive Officer, The Chugoku Bank) Mr. Kentaro Kubota (Representative Director and President, Life Design Kabaya) Mr. Sadao Hishiki Ms. Fukiko Fukuda (Freelance Announcer)