Osaka University and Nippon Foundation Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research

On January 30, 2025, Chairman TOKURA Masakazu and other executives from the Japan Business Federation visited Osaka University (Suita campus) for a review tour.

At the start of the tour, President NISHIO delivered a speech titled “Future Vision of Osaka University,” where he explained the university’s distinctive educational/research efforts and initiatives in prospect of “Creating a Society where Each Member Leads a Meaningful and Fulfilling Life .” The party then visited the centers of such activities, namely, “Osaka University and Nippon Foundation Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research” and the Institute of Laser Engineering.

At the Osaka University and Nippon Foundation Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research (to be completed at the end of February), Executive Director/ Vice-President KANEDA Yasufumi addressed the issues highlighted by the outbreak of the COVID-19 infection and explained how, from a long-term perspective, the Center will protect people’s lives and “livelihood” in the event of another possible pandemic, as well as contribute to maintaining social and economic activities. After explaining the university’s role as a base for infectious disease research and its management system, the party had a look at the distinctive floor design supervised by architect ANDO Tadao.

At the Institute of Laser Engineering, Director KODAMA Ryosuke gave a presentation titled “Large Powerful Laser Facility Contributing to the Improvement of Japan’s Technological Level—Innovation Brought by Integrated Technology and Expanded as Comprehensive Technology,” followed by a tour of a world-class ultra-large laser system called “Gekko No.4” and “LFEX,” as well as exhibition rooms, where we explained the structures and maintenance of each device and future development plans.