Kensuke Okoshi to Speak at Nishinippon Shimbun's Joint Event: "Gakumika" × "Journalist Cafe" in Fukuoka on July 12

Nishinippon Shimbun Co., Ltd. will host a joint talk event titled 'Journalist Cafe in Fukuoka: Thinking about the Future of Multicultural Coexistence from Fukuoka' on Sunday, July 12, 2026, at Denki Building Mirai Hall (Fukuoka City). The event is a collaboration between 'Gakumika' (Student's Perspective), a community media project created with university students, and Kensuke Okoshi, anchor of TV Asahi's 'Hodo Station' and founder of the 'Journalist Cafe'. The event capacity is 400 people (first-come, first-served), and registration is currently open. ■ Background: How can we prevent social division? The 'coexistence' that our society has been pursuing is now at a crossroads. While the reality is that the rapidly increasing number of foreign workers supports the region, there is also friction, and anxiety and mistrust—unique to the SNS era where facts and speculation mingle—are spreading. This event, set in Fukuoka, the city closest to Asia, brings together leading journalists, university students, and foreign-rooted residents to explore the future of multicultural coexistence through cross-generational dialogue. [Program] Part 1: Keynote Speech Journalist Kensuke Okoshi, Ichiro Iida (Vice Chairman of Fukuoka Women's University), and reporter Kengo Nagata (Nishinippon Shimbun) will discuss media literacy and the role of media in the SNS era. Part 2: Panel Discussion + Attendee Session (Dialogue with Students) Okoshi will discuss with university students and international students studying in Fukuoka, as well as foreign-rooted residents living and working in Fukuoka. Through interactive dialogue involving general attendees, they will consider the future of our society. [Speaker Profile] Kensuke Okoshi (TV Asahi 'Hodo Station' Anchor) Born in Niigata Prefecture in 1961, joined NHK in 1985. Covered the Hashimoto and Obuchi administrations as a political reporter. As Washington Bureau Chief, he directed coverage of the 2008 U.S. presidential election and an exclusive interview with President Bush. Utilizing over 20 years of reporting experience, he served as anchor for NHK's 'News Watch 9' and 'Sunday Sports 2020'. He left NHK in June 2021 and assumed his current position in October 2021. He identifies as an 'acting anchor' and has visited locations such as the site of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. His philosophy is 'to communicate in plain language.' Message from Okoshi: 'We live in a daily life of unsettling news such as conflicts. That is exactly why we need to face the true nature of our anxiety, overcome it, and rebuild a society overflowing with diversity. What do we need for that? I would like to think about this together with you.' Ichiro Iida (Vice Chairman of Fukuoka Women's University / Former Mainichi Shimbun Foreign News Editor, RKB Mainichi Broadcasting Commentator) Kengo Nagata (Nishinippon Shimbun Reporter) *Speakers are subject to change. Student reporters from 'Gakumika' International students studying in Fukuoka Foreign-rooted residents living and working in Fukuoka [Event Overview] Date & Time: July 12, 2026 (Sun) 13:00 - 16:00 (Reception starts at 12:30) Venue: Denki Building Mirai Hall (Denki Building Kyosokan 4F, 2-1-82 Watanabedori, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City) Target: University students, high school students, and adults interested in media, reporting, and journalism Capacity: 400 people (first-come, first-served) Fee: Free for students / 1,100 yen for general public (tax included) [Hosts & Partners] Co-hosts: Nishinippon Shimbun, Canary-sha Cooperation: Bunka Kobo, Fukuoka Women's University Grants: The Hoso Bunka Foundation