Since its founding in 1946, the Association of Private Universities of Japan (APUJ) has spent the past 80 years promoting the development of Japan's private colleges and universities, contributing to the growth of post-WWII Japanese society. With 419-member institutions, the association comprises of 7 branch offices and a liaison council established across nationwide, we are deeply committed to revitalizing local communities and nurturing the essential human resources for the regions.

Of students in higher education in Japan, about 70% of them are enrolled in private institutions, learning and studying under each institution's founding philosophy and contributing to the development of regions. We strive to cultivate the individuals who sustain and advance regional communities, as well as to foster innovation through advanced research.

With the dawn of the generative AI era, societal values are shifting from the volume of knowledge and processing capability toward humanity itself. We believe that the generative AI will not replace professions and advanced skills that require genuine human empathy such as healthcare-takers, welfare, and school teachers.

Moving forward, private institutions will remain steadfast in practicing the balanced development of "trinity in education" -- moral, intellectual, and physical development of students.

The Association will support the autonomous reforms of each members having constructive dialogue with the government, local municipalities, and the industrial sector. We are striving for a major structural transformation in higher education policy that places greater emphasis on private institutions. We will relentlessly continue to move forward as one to forge a bright future.

Through the pursuit of diverse values and creative challenges, we will contribute to building the new society that Japan is heading towards. We sincerely ask for your continuing support and cooperation.

Yoshiaki Obara (President and Headmaster, Tamagawa University) Chairman of Association of Private Universities of Japan