On Tuesday, March 31, 2026, APU held a final report meeting on campus led by the APU Student Future Visionary Vice President and Summit Members. At the meeting, the students presented the outcomes of nearly a year of discussion and research centered on this year’s theme: realizing the “Lifelong Learner (LLL) Vision” through the future role of the APU campus.
During the presentation, the students shared insights gained through on-site visits and interviews with experts, and proposed a concept for a university-led, collaborative Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC). This model envisions APU as the core institution supporting a living and learning environment in which students and senior citizens share the same space and learn from one another. The proposal highlights APU’s distinctive international character alongside the rich local resources of the Beppu area.
Specifically, the students proposed the redevelopment of AP House 4 as a hub for lifelong learning. While retaining its role as a student residence, the plan includes the development of community lounges and learning spaces to promote intergenerational interaction, as well as facilities that leverage Beppu’s unique hot spring resources to strengthen collaboration with the local community. The vision aims to create an environment where students, senior citizens, local residents, and businesses engage in continuous, everyday learning and exchange.
Beyond presenting the underlying conceptual framework and spatial design, the Student Special Vice Presidents and Summit Members also conducted estimates of construction costs, operational expenses, and revenue models, and put forward a sustainable business plan. Their proposal combines stable income from student housing with medium- to long-term revenue from senior housing and outlines a realistic operational strategy that includes phased development.
The students emphasized that by integrating APU’s unique identity with the environmental and cultural assets of Beppu, the university has the potential to realize a one-of-a-kind model for higher education. The proposal concludes that this initiative could simultaneously foster students’ autonomous learning and personal growth, enhance the well-being of older adults, and contribute to regional revitalization —thereby demonstrating new value and possibilities for the future of both APU and the Beppu community.
Moving forward, APU will continue to further develop the concepts presented at this final report meeting and remain committed to creating new value through innovative initiatives.
