APU and The Breakthrough Company GO Sign Comprehensive Partnership Agreement

Driving Regional Revitalization and Next-Generation Talent Development Through the Power of Creativity**
Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU), located in Beppu, Oita, and The Breakthrough Company GO (Head Office: Minato-ku, Tokyo; Representative: Takahiro Miura; hereafter “GO”) concluded a comprehensive partnership agreement on Thursday, October 2. Through combining the expertise and resources of both institutions, APU and GO will promote social innovation and regional revitalization through the power of creativity, with the aim of fostering sustainable regional development and nurturing the next generation of creative talent.

Background and Purpose of the Agreement

Today’s society faces increasingly complex and diverse challenges, requiring new ways of thinking and innovative approaches. GO has been engaged in developing creative professionals across business, government, and regional communities through its operation of “THE CREATIVE ACADEMY” in Tokyo and Oita.
APU provides a learning environment rich in internationality and diversity, while also applying cutting-edge academic research and university-wide resources to generate new value and address regional issues.
By partnering together, both institutions will create unprecedented opportunities for collaboration in education, research, and practice—supporting the development of young talent and fostering contributions to regional communities.

Five Areas of Collaboration and Examples of Initiatives

1. Development of Creative Talent and Educational Support for Young People
   • Allowing APU students to participate in GO’s “THE CREATIVE ACADEMY” and online program “UNLIMITED”
   • Providing opportunities for students to receive project and idea consultations from GO’s creative directors
2. Revitalizing Regional Economies Through Creative Power
   • Promoting regionally connected projects that leverage students’ creative capabilities
3. Applying Creativity to Social Issue Resolution
   • Sharing APU’s insights in management and sustainability
   • Conducting joint educational programs and research projects utilizing GO’s human resources and creative content
4. Creative Education and Dissemination with a Global Perspective
   • Showcasing global case studies produced by students and alumni participating in “THE CREATIVE ACADEMY”
5. Creating New Learning Opportunities and Utilizing THE CREATIVE ACADEMY Oita Campus
   • Combining international networks and communication strengths to provide students with practical learning opportunities that connect them to the world

Comments from Representatives

Takahiro Miura, Representative, The Breakthrough Company GO

“We are honored to conclude this comprehensive partnership agreement with Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University. GO has committed itself to driving change and embracing challenges through the power of creativity, tackling issues faced by corporations and government organizations. Through THE CREATIVE ACADEMY and our online program ‘UNLIMITED,’ we look forward to providing students with our expertise in problem-setting and problem-solving gained in real-world environments. We are excited to contribute to creating a space where students can engage with real issues and take on challenges even before entering society.”

Hiroshi Yoneyama, President, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU)

“We are delighted to announce our comprehensive partnership with The Breakthrough Company GO. APU has long worked to cultivate individuals capable of addressing social issues, grounded in our multicultural and multinational environment. Through this agreement, students will participate in GO’s ‘THE CREATIVE ACADEMY’ and online program ‘UNLIMITED,’ sharpening their creative abilities through practical learning. Combining our strengths will enable us to promote regionally connected projects and share the achievements of our students and alumni worldwide. From Oita to the world, we will continue to create new opportunities for learning and challenge.”