NEWS

On Thursday, August 20, 2026, APU hosted the third Breakout Session of the 75th National High School PTA Federation Conference in Oita. Held under the theme, “The Power of Diversity: Nurturing Communities, Talent, and the Future Through Diversity,” the session brought together approximately 600 PTA members and education stakeholders from across Japan. The event opened with remarks by APU President Hiroshi Yoneyama, followed by a keynote address from Professor Hiroaki Ohashi of the College of Sustainability and Tourism. A panel discussion then explored multicultural coexistence from the perspectives of government, tourism, and students.

In his opening remarks, President Yoneyama noted that the importance of multicultural coexistence continues to grow as contemporary society faces a wide range of global challenges. While encounters with different values and cultures can sometimes involve uncertainty or friction, he emphasized the importance of accepting such experiences as natural and deepening mutual understanding through dialogue. Addressing parents of high school students and educators, he encouraged participants to view international education not as something extraordinary, but as something that begins with simple interactions. “I hope that together with the youth, you will start by speaking with individuals from overseas backgrounds,” he said.

In the keynote lecture, titled “Building Sustainable Cities in a Global Era: Toward Multicultural Coexistence Through the Participation of Future Generations”, Professor Ohashi spoke about the importance of diversity and inclusion in future urban development. He explained that multicultural coexistence should move beyond simply acknowledging cultural differences and advance toward creating new value through active interaction and dialogue. He also stressed that this perspective will become increasingly essential for supporting local communities in Japan. Professor Ohashi further described APU as a place where multicultural coexistence is actively practiced, introducing examples of how students develop the ability to understand diverse perspectives and collaborate across cultural boundaries. Concluding his lecture, he highlighted the interconnected nature of global talent development, multicultural coexistence, and sustainability, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among universities, families, schools, local communities, governments, and businesses in supporting future generations.

Following the keynote address, three panelists delivered presentations: Takanori Miura, Director of the Regional Management Department at the Tourism Oita Public Interest Incorporated Foundation; Masao Hayashi (the College of Asia Pacific Studies, Spring 2025, Japan), an APU alumnus and an official with the International City Co-creation Promotion Office of the Kyoto City General Planning Bureau, and Erika Michelle Sherlyn, a fourth-year student in the College of Sustainability and Tourism.
Sherlyn reflected on how her experiences living in AP House and facilitating activities in the Multicultural Cooperative Workshop (MCW) enabled her to engage in dialogue with people from diverse backgrounds, helping her develop the ability to overcome differences and create new value through mutual understanding. Hayashi explained that international exchange derives its value not from systems or institutions themselves, but from the relationships built between people. Speaking from the perspective of local government, he emphasized the importance of fostering mutual understanding through dialogue and involving local residents in efforts to promote multicultural coexistence.
From the perspective of the tourism sector, Miura highlighted the importance of understanding and responding to the diverse needs of users, including differences in nationality, language, religion, dietary customs, age, disabilities, and sexual orientation. Referring to initiatives such as barrier-free tourism, which aims to create an environment where everyone can travel comfortably, he noted that a willingness to understand the circumstances and backgrounds of others contributes to enhancing the attractiveness of local communities.
Building on the keynote speech and the three presentations, a panel discussion was held under the theme “Sustainable Community Development through Multicultural Coexistence: Together with APU in Embracing Diversity.” Moderated by Professor Ohashi, the discussion brought together the perspectives and experiences of the speakers. With active participation from audience members, the session deepened the dialogue on multicultural coexistence and sustainable community development.