Message from President

Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology will celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2024. In 1874, the Agricultural Training School and the Sericulture Experiment Section ofthe Ministry of Home Affairs, the predecessors of the current Faculty of Agriculture and Engineering, were both established on the site of the current Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. At that time, TUAT played a central role in protecting Japan's food supply, and even began producing and exporting world-class silk, which became a key industry supporting the Japanese economy. Now, TUAT is connected to countries around the world with cutting-edge science and technology, and opportunities for faculty, staff, and students to participate in overseas activities have expanded dramatically. Looking back on Japan's history over the past 150 years, it is easy to imagine how important and turbulent it was. We recognize that the significance of Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology lies in overcoming such a historically etched era and opening up the next era.

At this major turning point for the university, the significance of science, technology and social activities based on agriculture and engineering is being rapidly recognized on a global scale. This is nothing but the fact that our university's role in the international community is expanding to a level far beyond what it has been up to now. Even when it comes to the issue of food and energy supply, the university plays a very large role, not only in the development of the science and technology that forms the basis of these issues, but also in creating mechanisms to actually implement the results in society and nurturing the human resources to lead them. Our university has quickly grasped such global needs and is swiftly promoting the development of university organizations and facilities, which are the foundation of education and research. In other words, we are promoting the establishment of Innovation Commons and Tech Garage, where students and faculty can freely come up with ideas and conduct experiments and prototypes, as well as the renewal and expansion of education and research facilities to encourage field experiments and training, business development and entrepreneurship. Furthermore, we have established a large-scale Animal Emergency Medical Center on the Koganei campus, and together with Animal Medical Center on the Fuchu campus, we are expanding the highest level of testing and medical care system.

These new movements are linked to the university's educational and research activities based on international collaboration, as well as to stabilizing the supply of food and energy, valuing all activities that reduce environmental impact, and strengthening the new social infrastructure necessary for people to live fulfilling lives both physically and mentally. The university regards this series of activities as part of its 150th anniversary commemoration projects, and hopes that it will be a major step forward for Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology as a pioneer in building a new era.

We sincerely appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

Kazuhiro Chiba  President, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology