The Faculty of Education at Tohoku University was established 75 years ago in 1949. If I may say so, the School of Education at Tohoku University has a long and rich history. It began with a teacher training course, and through various changes and transformations, has developed into one of Japan's leading educational research institutions specializing in pedagogical research. It currently offers a two-year Master's course and a three-year Doctoral course. The university has developed into one of Japan's leading educational and research institutions, with a specialist in pedagogical research. If I'm not mistaken, I believe that in 2018 a new department was established with the aim of promoting a variety of research on education from an interdisciplinary perspective that spans the humanities and sciences. I think this department deals with information science, cognitive science and statistical science.

　If I may, I would like to share with you some of the insights I have gained from my time at Tohoku University's Faculty of Education. At universities that have a commitment to teacher training, the primary focus is typically on preparing educators to effectively instruct young learners, along with acquiring the theoretical and practical knowledge essential for the profession. On the other hand, the Faculty of Education at Tohoku University pursues a deep understanding of education, the design of future education in a better form, and the building of a better society through this. If I may, I would like to suggest that we consider what education is, what kind of beings are involved in it, and what kind of world it shapes.

    Education is an activity that is unique to humankind. Parents have a significant role in teaching their children. Teachers teach students. Children are taught by their parents and teachers. Through such active teaching and learning, mankind has created stories and tools, which have been accumulated from generation to generation, creating a rich and diverse culture. It would be very interesting to explore the history of the development of this kind of education, the system that operates, how education is affected by poverty and conflict, and how it should be dealt with. If I may, I would like to inquire about the mechanisms of the human mind that support teaching and being taught. The Graduate School of Education at Tohoku University has been entrusted with the mission of clarifying these questions and creating the education of the future from them.

　Another pressing issue that has come to the fore is the question of how to connect the recent remarkable development of generative AI with education. The Faculty of Education at Tohoku University has professors who specialize in AI, machine learning, brain science and robotics. These perspectives will also be invaluable in shaping the future of education. The Faculty of Education at Tohoku University is characterized by its interdisciplinary approach to education from a variety of perspectives spanning the humanities and sciences.

　In addition, the School of Education and the Graduate School of Education at Tohoku University are pleased to offer opportunities for international learning. For instance, the Asian Education Leader Course is a unique opportunity where students from five Asian universities come together to take classes in English. We are also exploring opportunities to strengthen our collaboration with international organizations related to education, such as UNESCO. In the past three years, we have sent two postgraduate students to conduct their internship at UNESCI Bangkok Office.

　In this way, the activities of the Faculty of Education and the Graduate School of Education transcend the boundaries of culture and science, and are expanding in many ways.

    As a new initiative for the internationalization of the Graduate School, The International Graduate Program in Global Education Studies (usually referred to as I-GES) is established in April 2022. In October 2023, I-GES welcomed our first group of doctoral course students. This course aims to cultivate educational leaders who can build inclusive and equitable quality education in a global society, including Japan. This course aims to nurture educational leaders who can contribute to building inclusive and equitable quality education in a global society, including Japan. To this end, we prepare diverse and interdisciplinary educational, research, and practical activities through domestic and international networks. We are looking forward to your applications. Let us create knowledge and innovations to explore breakthroughs we need for education and a sustainable world together!