From 15 to 17 December, UNU Rector Prof. Tshilidzi Marwala visited Miyazaki and Kagoshima Prefectures on the island of Kyushu in Japan. The visit highlighted regional initiatives addressing school non-attendance, the evolving situation of local industries and the importance of historical perspectives in shaping future-oriented learning.
The visit began in Miyazaki Prefecture, where the Rector met with students and faculty at Miyazaki Nishi Senior High School. He delivered a lecture titled “Learning for the Unknown — New Paradigms of Education in the Age of Uncertainty and AI”, followed by a lively discussion with students. The Rector then visited the Miyazaki Prefectural Education and Training Center to learn about prefectural strategies for addressing school non-attendance. He later visited Miyazaki Higashi Senior High School’s evening course, which serves many students with prior non-attendance experiences, gaining insight into the support systems that help them re-engage with learning.
The Rector then moved on to Kagoshima Prefecture, where he paid a courtesy visit to the Mayor of Kagoshima City. They discussed the challenges in regions facing depopulation and potential collaboration with UNU to create more opportunities for youth in international organizations. He also met with representatives of a local business group, the Iwasaki Group, to understand how regional industries are adapting to technological and demographic shifts.
At Kagoshima Commercial High School, Rector Marwala observed AI-related classes and exchanged views with teachers and students on how technology is reshaping future skills. He also visited Kagoshima Girls’ High School to experience a student-led performance of koto (traditional Japanese stringed instrument) and a tea ceremony, demonstrating how tradition remains a vibrant part of contemporary education.
The final day of the trip explored the intersection of history and educational innovation. The Rector visited Sengan-en, the historic estate of the Shimazu clan, and received a guided tour by students from Kagoshima Gyokuryu High School. The Rector then visited Kagoshima University for a courtesy meeting with President Dr. Akio Ido, during which they discussed the role of universities and higher education in regional revitalization. While at the university, Prof. Marwala also delivered a lecture at Inamori Hall to approximately 270 participants on the topic of education in an age of uncertainty and AI, which was followed by a lively discussion with the audience of university students and faculty.
This visit received coverage on Minaminihon Broadcasting and Minaminihon Shimbun (in Japanese).
Since arriving at UNU in March 2023, Prof. Marwala has made it his mission to travel to, and deliver lectures in, all 47 prefectures of Japan. Upon completing this recent trip, Prof. Marwala has travelled to 26 prefectures and presented 22 lectures.
