Welcome Message

Welcome Message from Department Head

Our Civil Engineering academic staff members are dedicated to fostering vitality and creativity for the future by promoting the development of foundations that support sustainable and comfortable living and society under a safe and reassurance ‘国土, KOKUDO (Land, infrastructure and society)’. To fulfill this mission, we promote education and research by addressing challenges, including disaster prevention and mitigation, post-disaster response, resource and energy issues, maintenance and rehabilitation of infrastructure, global environmental issues, carbon neutrality, and the creation of next-generation infrastructure.

However, the world continues face wars and conflicts, such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and rising tensions in the Middle East now. These circumstances stand in contrast to our mission and have serious impacts on society. Civil engineering is a discipline that protects and develops KOKUDO and supports a society in which people can live safely and comfortably. Historically, it emerged from military engineering, evolving into engineering for the welfare of civilians—hence the term “Civil Engineering.” Given this responsibility to conserve KOKUDO, we must confront these realities directly. In this context, I believe that one important step is to engage in intergenerational discussion with students, reflecting on and learning about the fundamental role of civil engineering.

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I find remarkable potential of today’s younger generation. Their outstanding achievements in recent Olympic Games, such as skateboarding and snowboarding, are striking. Athletes perform highly advanced and difficult tricks, but what is equally impressive is how they sincerely congratulate each other on their successes. This attitude of respecting others beyond competition reflects a new set of values, different from those of previous generations. I believe our students share these values. Furthermore, their abilities in group discussions, presentation preparation, presentation delivery, and question-and-answer sessions have significantly improved. They are also adept at using new technologies such as smartphones, tablets, social media, and even generative AI—skills that I myself cannot easily master. As educators, we learn a great deal from our students, and their presence gives us hope for the future of society. Students are invaluable treasures who will shape the future. It is our responsibility to further nurture their potential and connect their brilliance to society.

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