Kumamoto University Hosted the Mansfield Foundation’s Program
*Links:The Mansfield Foundation
The Japan Foundation
Kumamoto University is pursuing collaborative projects under its agreement with the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation (The Mansfield Foundation) in the United States. As part of these projects, on June 12, 2025, Kumamoto University hosted a discussion session with the cohort of the U.S.-Japan Network for the Future, a program jointly organized by the Mansfield Foundation and the Japan Foundation, which was designed to build and enhance a network of Japan specialists that can bring diverse expertise and perspectives to the bilateral policy-making process in the mid- and long-term.
The discussion session began with welcoming remarks by President Hisao Ogawa, followed by acknowledgement from Ms. Sara Harriger, Vice President of the Mansfield Foundation, for the warm welcome, and an introduction of the program and its cohort.
Following this, Distinguished Professor Hideki Wakabayashi of Research and Education Institute for Semiconductors and Informatics (REISI), delivered a lecture titled “Geotechnology of Semiconductors and Kyushu: Japan’s Last and Greatest Opportunity for Semiconductor Revival.” The presentation covered the history of Japan’s semiconductor policy and the current landscape in Kyushu and Kumamoto, which generated numerous questions and lively interest from the cohort. Afterwards, a lively discussion took place on several topics, and the session concluded on a successful note.
Remarks by Ms. Harriger, Vice President of the Mansfield Foundation
Distinguished Professor Wakabayashi responding to questions from the participants
During the discussion
During the discussion
Distinguished Professor Wakabayashi responding to questions from the participants
During the discussion
During the discussion
On June 14, the cohort visited Kuma Village and Hitoyoshi City and conducted an on-site tour of the Kuma River basin which was severely damaged by the torrential rains in July 2020, with receiving detailed explanations by the faculty members of the Center for Water Cycle, Marine Environment, and Disaster Management (CWMD) about the damage and reconstruction plans. Following that, a discussion session was held at the Hitoyoshi Branch of Higo Bank. The Mayor of Hitoyoshi, Mr. Hayato Matsuoka joined the session and delivered a passionate account on the circumstances at the time of the disaster and the actions taken subsequently, prompting numerous questions from the cohort.
Kumamoto University has been maintaining a close and longstanding partnership with the Mansfield Foundation. Kumamoto University is the only university in Japan to establish a Mansfield Foundation Liaison Office on campus and to incorporate a lecture series by Mansfield Fellowship Program fellows into our regular curriculum. Kumamoto University will continue to strengthen our collaborative ties with the United States and promote the globalization of our education, research and local community.
On-site briefing
Hitoyoshi Mayor Matsuoka responding to questions from the cohort
Discussion session
Discussion session
Discussion session