Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University and Eternal Hospitality Group Form Comprehensive Partnership to Promote Regional Development and Cultivate Next-Generation Talent

Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) (Beppu, Oita; President: Yoneyama Hiroshi) and Eternal Hospitality Group Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Osaka; President & CEO: Okura Tadashi) signed a comprehensive partnership agreement on Friday, May 15, 2026, for extensive collaborative efforts leveraging their mutual human and material resources. (From left) Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University President Yoneyama Hiroshi, Eternal Hospitality Group Co., Ltd. President & CEO Okura Tadashi This agreement aims to integrate APU's diverse educational and research resources with Eternal Hospitality Group's expertise in business creation. Through this, the partnership seeks to cultivate leaders with diverse perspectives, implement universal design in society, and further accelerate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I). Collaborative Matters We will collaborate on the following five points: (1) Sharing of global management knowledge held by Eternal Hospitality Group and educational exchange (2) Co-creation activities utilizing multicultural research and resources (3) Contribution to solving issues in a global society (4) Mutual personnel exchange (5) Strategic cooperation to achieve comprehensive objectives As specific initiatives, we will promote the following: - Exchange and development of global talent: Promote interaction between APU students and Eternal Hospitality Group employees to cultivate leader talent with diverse perspectives. - Creation of new businesses based on multicultural coexistence: Jointly research new businesses that are supported across borders and cultures by learning about global food cultures and values through workshops at APU's international dormitory 'AP House' and the Torikizoku Beppu branch. - Contribution to an inclusive society: Deepen initiatives towards realizing a society where foreign workers and people from diverse backgrounds can shine together. Representative Comments Yoneyama Hiroshi, President of Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University I am extremely pleased to have concluded this comprehensive partnership agreement with Eternal Hospitality Group Co., Ltd. Our university has been promoting education and research that connects the local region with the world, leveraging our multicultural and multinational environment as a strength. Meanwhile, Eternal Hospitality Group has been working on creating an organization where diverse talent can thrive and creating new value while expanding its business globally. Through this agreement, we will merge the knowledge and practical fields of both parties to further expand opportunities for various stakeholders, including students, to create value while tackling social issues. From here in Beppu, we will disseminate initiatives for a multicultural and inclusive society and contribute to the sustainable development of the region, society, and the world. Okura Tadashi, President & CEO of Eternal Hospitality Group Co., Ltd. Our group's vision of a 'Global YAKITORI Family' aims to brighten the world by transcending borders and races through the Japanese culinary culture of yakitori. APU, which brings together students with diverse values, embodies the multicultural symbiotic society we aim for. Through this partnership, I feel very encouraged to be able to work together with everyone at APU, not only for the development of the regional economy but also for the cultivation of talent that will lead global society. Overview Location: 1-1 Jumonjibaru, Beppu, Oita Representative: President Yoneyama Hiroshi Established: April 2000 URL: https://www.apu.ac.jp/home/ International students from 118 countries and regions (as of Nov 1, 2025) make up half of the student body. In the THE Japan University Rankings 2025, it was ranked 2nd nationwide for 'Internationality' and 3rd for 'Educational Fulfillment'. Under a multicultural and multinational environment, it provides collaborative learning and education in both Japanese and English, leading global education. Location: Urban-Net Midosuji Bldg. 20F, 4-2-13 Awajimachi, Chuo-ku, Osaka Representative: President & CEO Okura Tadashi Established: September 19, 1986 Business: Formulation of group management strategies, business administration, and related operations URL: https://eternal-hospitality.co.jp/