[Nihon Keizai University] Awarded the "Prime Minister's Award for Meritorious Service in Greenery Promotion Movement for Reiwa 8"

Nihon Keizai University (Fukuoka Prefecture, Dazaifu City, President: Asuka Tsuzuki) has been awarded the Reiwa 8 "Prime Minister's Award for Meritorious Service in Greenery Promotion Movement" (*) in recognition of its outstanding achievements as an organization in the greenery promotion movement.

*What is the "Prime Minister's Award for Meritorious Service in Greenery Promotion Movement"?
This award is presented annually by the Cabinet Office since 1984 to individuals or organizations that have made outstanding contributions to the implementation of greenery promotion movements, in order to honor their achievements. This year, upon recommendation from Fukuoka Prefecture, our university was selected as one of the 1 individual and 12 organizations nationwide.

Our University's Initiatives

Our university has been engaged in greenery activities and environmental conservation for many years, centered around the "TG Rose Garden (English Garden)" which opened in 1998.

Numerous roses bloom at the entrance of TG Rose Garden.

Water lilies and swans serve as diverse learning spaces.

Maintenance and Management of Extensive Green Spaces: We continuously carry out the maintenance and management of the approximately 4-hectare garden with faculty, staff, and student volunteers, promoting integrated ecosystem conservation and green space management, including the conservation of the rare species Eupatorium fortunei and the maintenance of the environment for the migration of the butterfly Pachliopta aristolochiae.

Opening to the Community: The garden is open to the public free of charge, serving as a place for relaxation, exchange, and health promotion for the community, attracting over 20,000 visitors annually. It is also used for tourist tours and community association activities, with up to 30 groups visiting annually, contributing to the improvement of the community's awareness of greenery.

Practice of Environmental Education: Utilization as a place for environmental learning targeting a wide range of ages. We conduct educational and awareness-raising activities to convey the importance of greenery and environmental conservation through classes and events related to One Health and SDGs.

20th "Greenery Ceremony" and "Prime Minister's Award for Meritorious Service in Greenery Promotion Movement" Award Ceremony

On April 24, Reiwa 8, the "20th Greenery Ceremony" was held with the attendance of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress, and our university's President Asuka Tsuzuki attended.

President Asuka Tsuzuki attending the 20th Greenery Ceremony (3rd from left in the back row / Photo courtesy: Cabinet Office) Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi delivering the opening address (left), Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress (right) (Photo courtesy: Cabinet Office)

At the ceremony, 13 individuals and organizations, including our university, received the "Prime Minister's Award for Meritorious Service in Greenery Promotion Movement" from Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Following this, during the audience with Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress, our university's president directly explained the activities, and Their Majesties offered words of warm encouragement for our university's initiatives.

Reporting the Award to Fukuoka Prefecture Governor Seitaro Hattori

Our university's President Asuka Tsuzuki visited the Fukuoka Prefectural Government and reported the award of the Reiwa 8 "Prime Minister's Award for Meritorious Service in Greenery Promotion Movement" to Governor Seitaro Hattori. President Asuka Tsuzuki reported, "In the garden, from the perspective of biodiversity, we have been considering what kind of education can be provided, especially for children. With this award as an opportunity, we would like to further deepen our collaboration with the community and local society."

Governor Hattori offered warm words, saying, "Congratulations on your award. Through your long-standing activities, you have provided a place that is loved and cherished by the local community, and you have continued to convey the importance of coexisting with nature, for which I deeply respect you. I feel that the love for nature takes root in people's hearts through the daily experiences of experiencing it in familiar places, growing plants, and cherishing animals and insects. We would like to continue to work with you to conserve and promote the natural environment."

Message from President Asuka Tsuzuki

(Center front row) President Asuka Tsuzuki / Front row: (Left) Student representative, (Right) Vice President Daisuke Ando / Back row: (Left) Head Gardener Ken Handa, (Right) Lecturer Desiree Roy Barthélémy (Biology/Gardener)

"I am deeply honored to receive the "Prime Minister's Award for Meritorious Service in Greenery Promotion Movement." Since the opening of "TG Rose Garden" in 1998, our university has walked together with students, faculty, staff, and the local community on the stage of our vast garden, striving to pass on rich nature to the next generation. We are very pleased that our long-term efforts in conserving rare species and One Health education have been recognized in the form of this award. Encouraged by this award, we will continue to strive for greenery activities aimed at realizing a sustainable society, as a hub for living environmental education and as an "oasis" open to the community."

Nihon Keizai University (Tsuzuki Gakuen Group / Tsuzuki Ikuei Gakuen)

Representative: President Asuka Tsuzuki

The Tsuzuki Gakuen Group was founded in 1956 with the founding spirit of "Cultivating Life through the Development of Individuality." Nihon Keizai University, celebrating its 58th anniversary, is based on three campuses in Fukuoka, Shibuya, and Kobe, and offers two faculties, seven departments, and 19 specialized courses focusing on practical economics and business. We have partnerships with over 120 universities in 34 countries worldwide and are dedicated to nurturing truly international individuals who can contribute to society across borders and cultures.

Furthermore, in sports and cultural activities, we have produced many students active on national and international stages, and we actively engage in social contribution activities such as disaster relief, advancing as a university open to the community and the world.

Fukuoka Campus: 3-11-25 Gojo, Dazaifu City, Fukuoka Prefecture

Tokyo Shibuya Campus: 24-5 Sakuragaoka-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Kobe Sannomiya Campus: 4-4-7 Kotonoo-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture

https://www.jue.ac.jp/