2026/1/5

New Year’s Message 2026

Kyoto University of Foreign Studies Educational Corporation
Chairman of the Board, Toshiro Kita

Happy New Year.
On behalf of Kyoto University of Foreign Studies Educational Corporation, I would like to extend my warmest greetings for the New Year to all our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and our valued partners around the world. I would also like to express my sincere appreciation for your continued support and cooperation with our educational and research activities.
I assumed the position of Chairman of the Board in June 2025, and a little more than half a year has now passed. During this time, I have had the opportunity to engage in dialogue with many members of our academic community across different campuses and institutions. Through these conversations, I have come to firmly believe that a shared commitment—to serve students and learners and to further improve our educational environment—is deeply rooted throughout our institution. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for the dedication and hard work demonstrated throughout 2025.
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Reflecting on 2025: A Year of Both Challenges and Opportunities
The year 2025 was a period in which both challenges and opportunities became increasingly clear for our institution. We faced a more competitive student recruitment environment, an ongoing need to assure educational quality and visualize learning outcomes, the reactivation of international mobility and partnerships, and the necessity of reviewing our financial, personnel, and operational frameworks.
At the same time, however, the year marked meaningful progress, as a shared awareness of the need for institutional transformation began to take root across our community. This growing sense of common purpose provides a strong foundation for the years ahead.
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Enduring Strengths of Our Institution
Even as we confront these challenges, Kyoto University of Foreign Studies continues to possess enduring strengths. These include our long-standing commitment to language education and international studies, our founding philosophy of “Pax Mundi per Linguas” (World Peace through Languages), the dedication of our faculty and staff who place students at the center of their work, and the strong engagement and loyalty of our alumni community.
Our institution has always been supported not merely by systems or facilities, but by people. This remains our greatest asset.
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Positioning of 2026: Preparing for the 80th Anniversary
In 2027, our institution will celebrate its 80th anniversary. The year 2026 thus serves as an important preparatory year—a time not only to reflect on our history, but also to begin shaping a clear vision for the next decade and beyond.
It is a year in which we will actively redefine the role and value of language education and international studies in an era of rapid technological and social change, while aligning our institutional direction across the entire educational corporation.
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Generative AI and Education: Reexamining the Essence of Language Learning
One of the most significant themes we must address is the educational impact of generative artificial intelligence (AI). Advances in AI have already transformed areas such as translation, writing support, and conversational practice.
However, we do not view generative AI as a threat to language education. On the contrary, it provides an opportunity to reexamine and clarify the true essence of language learning. In an era in which AI is readily available, the ability to understand context, engage in intercultural dialogue, think critically, and collaborate across differences becomes even more essential.
As a university specializing in foreign languages and international studies, we believe it is our responsibility to engage with this challenge thoughtfully and proactively.
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Strategic Priorities for 2026
In 2026, our strategic priorities include:
• Student-centered governance and educational practices
• Enhancement of academic programs and learning support systems
• Strengthening of liberal arts education and practical, career-oriented learning
• Revitalization of international partnerships and student mobility
• Expansion of collaboration with local communities and industry
• Reinforcement of governance structures, transparency, and accountability
• Promotion of sustainable institutional management
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A Comprehensive Vision Across University, High School, and Vocational Education
Our educational corporation encompasses not only a university, but also a high school and a vocational school.
For our high school, 2026 will be a year to collectively consider the question: What kind of school do we aspire to become five years from now? This discussion will extend beyond academic outcomes to include the values we seek to instill and the educational culture we aim to foster.
For Kyoto Foreign Language Vocational School, we will focus on clarifying its educational mission and distinctive strengths, emphasizing professional expertise, practical skills, and strong connections to society and industry.
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Fostering a Culture that Supports Faculty and Staff Development
The sustainable growth of our institution depends on the development of our people. We will continue to strengthen leadership at the middle-management level, create environments in which younger faculty and staff can take initiative, and review working styles and evaluation systems in order to foster a culture in which people can grow and thrive.
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Toward Our 80th Anniversary and Beyond
Our 80th anniversary in 2027 is not merely a celebration of the past, but an opportunity to articulate a renewed commitment to the future. Through the integration of language education, generative AI, and intercultural understanding, we aim to communicate clearly the role that Kyoto University of Foreign Studies seeks to play in the global academic community.
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Closing Remarks
Over the past half year, I have become increasingly confident that our institution possesses the capacity to transform itself. This strength lies not in structures or facilities, but in the sincerity, professionalism, and dedication of our faculty and staff.
The year 2026 marks an important step toward our 80th anniversary and beyond. I look forward to continuing our journey together with all members of our community and our international partners.
I sincerely appreciate your continued support and collaboration, and I wish you all a successful and fulfilling year ahead.

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