13:00-13:15

Opening Remarks

＜Speaker＞ Shingo ASHIZAWA

Professor, Center for Learning and Teaching Innovation, Kanda University of International Studies

13:15-14:00

Opening Event / Special Session by MEXT

"Thinking about Internationalization of Higher Education in Japan" (tentative)

＜Speaker＞ Kuniaki SATO

Director, International Affairs Division, Higher Education Bureau, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), Japan

- Biography -

Mr. SATO Kuniaki, Director, International Affairs Division, Higher Education Bureau, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), Japan, has over 25 years of experiences in higher education policy development and university management. Sato was engaged in the establishment and management of a public university, Akita International University before transferring to MEXT. He has led the development of a variety of internationalization initiatives of Japan, such as the Top Global University project, the Inter-University Exchange Project and formulation of Joint Degree Guideline and UNESCO Tokyo Convention. Before taking the current office, Sato served as Vice President of Tohoku University for reform and planning at Tohoku University, following Director for Office for International Planning and Inspector and Director for University at Reform at MEXT, Special Advisor to the President for international strategy at Kyoto University.
He has also acted as Chair of the Group of National Experts on Higher Education, OECD since January 2023. M.A. in Education, the University of Tokyo.

14:00-14:45

Special Session by KUAS

"Shaping the Future through Diversity and Technology: KUAS’s Commitment to Educating Street-Smart Global Citizens"

＜Speaker＞ Osamu TABATA

Executive Vice President / Professor, Dr, Kyoto University of Advanced Science

- Biography -

“Osamu Tabata received his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from Nagoya Institute of Technology, in 1981 and 1993, respectively. In 1981, he joined the Toyota Central Research and Development Laboratories, Inc. In 1996, he joined the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Ritsumeikan University. In 2003, he moved to the Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University. In October 2019, he moved to Kyoto University of Advanced Science as the founding Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and the Graduate School of Engineering, and continued until March 2025. From December 2022, he has been the executive vice president.

14:45-15:00

Break

15:00-15:30

Keynote 1

“Technology for Education, Not Education by Technology”

＜Speaker＞ Osamu SAKURA

Professor, Department of Social Design, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Jissen Women's University / Team Leader, Center for Advanced Intelligence Project (AIP), RIKEN / Interfaculty Initiative in Information Studies Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Information Studies, The University of Tokyo

- Biography -

Dr Osamu Sakura is a Professor, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Jissen Women's University, a Project Professor, Interfaculty Initiative in Information Studies, The University of Tokyo and the Principal Investigator at the RIKEN Center for Advanced Intelligence Project (AIP) in Japan. His primary research interests lie in science and technology studies, focusing on the social dynamics of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, as well as the cultural influences on the history of science and technology in Japan and other East Asian countries.

15:30-16:00

Keynote 2

“The Future of Global Education – AI, Technology, and the Next Frontier”

＜Speaker＞ Girish C. BALLOLLA

The Founder and CEO of Gen Next Education 

- Biography - 

Girish C. Ballolla is an education futurist, entrepreneur, and AI innovator dedicated to transforming international and higher education. As the Founder and CEO of Gen Next Education, he has spent over 15 years pioneering innovative solutions that bridge the gap between students, counselors, and universities worldwide. He is the creator of College Genie, an AI-powered counselor, enabling high-quality college and career guidance accessible to students everywhere. Girish is a sought-after speaker at global education forums, offering insights into the intersection of technology, strategy, and student success. His expertise spans ethical recruitment models, AI-powered tools for international education, and the future of global education mobility. Recognized as one of The PIE New’s 50 Voices of 2024 in international education, he brings a bold and strategic perspective to the evolving landscape of higher education. With a passion for reimagining education, Girish challenges institutions to rethink outdated models and embrace the potential of AI and technology to enhance learning, engagement, and global access.

16:00-16:10

Break

16:10-16:55

Panel Discussion

＜Panelists＞ 

Osamu SAKURA

Professor, Department of Social Design, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Jissen Women's University / Team Leader, Center for Advanced Intelligence Project (AIP), RIKEN / Interfaculty Initiative in Information Studies Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Information Studies, The University of Tokyo

Girish C. BALLOLLA

Founder and CEO of Gen Next Education

Blair THOMSON

Director of Study Abroad, Office of Global Engagement, The University of Mississippi

- Biography -

Blair Thomson is an international education leader, attorney, and Fulbright alumna with nearly two decades of experience advancing global engagement in higher education. She serves as Senior International Officer at the University of Mississippi, where she leads strategic initiatives across five major units and sits on the university’s AI Policy Advisory Board. Her work explores the intersection of global mobility, AI governance, and educational equity, with a focus on building ethical, innovative internationalization models for the future.

＜Facilitator＞ 

Keiko IKEDA

Professor, Division of International Affairs, Kansai University