August 11-12, 2010
It was feared that the Kyoto University Open Campus 2010 titled "Pioneering from Kyoto: succeed tradition for an innovative future" will not be held as planned due to the approach of Typhoon No. 4, but fortunately, the event was held successfully with approximately 11,000 participants of high school students and parents/guardians from all over Japan.
In its tenth year, the Open Campus comprised on both days events for all participants such as the opening ceremonies, and as for departmental briefings, five faculties of Integrated Human Studies, Letters, Education, Law and Economics were on Day 1, and five faculties of Sciences, Medicine, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Engineering and Agriculture were on Day 2.
The opening ceremony was held in the Kyoto University Clock Tower Centennial Hall, with Open Campus Committee Chairman Akinori Akaike as the moderator. First, a welcoming greeting titled "Welcome to our Open Campus" was given by Executive Vice-President Shuzo Nishimura, followed by President Hiroshi Matsumoto's speech on the history and future of Kyoto University titled "For those who aspire to attend Kyoto University."
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Then, the Kyoto University Cheering Party gave their powerful performance and enthusiastic and humorous cheers towards those present to pass the entrance exams, and the venue roared with applause. At the end of each opening ceremony, Faculty of Law fourth-year student Mr. Masaaki Tsubota and Graduate School of Informatics Master's Program first-year student Mr. Atsuhiro Hibi on Day 1, and Mr. Tsubota again and Faculty of Engineering fourth-year student Mr. Sho Kiyoshima on Day 2 spoke passionately of their entrance exam experiences and campus life.
In the afternoon, Graduate School of Global Environment Studies Master's Program second-year student Mr. Masanori Iyoda spoke on Kyoto University's efforts towards environmental considerations as well as efforts made in research and by students, titled "Let’s tackle environmental issues at Kyoto University!" The "Lectures by Kyoto University Faculty Members" provided lectures on world-class research projects of Kyoto University by Graduate School of Economics Professor Yasunaga Wakabayashi and Center for iPS Cell Research and Application Associate Professor Kenji Osafune on Day 1, and by Graduate School of Law Professor Makoto Oishi and Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies Professor Hiroki Kamata on Day 2, and the audience listened very attentively. In addition, there were panel discussions and club introductions by current students. During the club introductions, various clubs including Yukidaruma Pro (independent film production club), Kyoto University Magicians' Association, Kyogen-kai and Kanze-kai of Nogaku Club, Rakugo Club, AIESEC and Kyoto Walking Club presented their activities.
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In the International Conference Hall of the Kyoto University Clock Tower Centennial Hall, a consultation corner for concerns regarding entrance exams, student life, employment, exchange programs, campus life and environment, and high school students and parents/guardians eagerly asked questions to present faculty members and students. In the same hall was a corner where friendly discussions on studying for entrance exams and student life can be held between participants and current students, and this corner proved to be very popular on both days. All were enthusiastic and friendly.
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The campus tour conducted by current students was much enjoyed this year as well, and many groups were seen walking energetically around the campus, despite the extreme heat.
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Departmental briefings comprised greetings by the deans, model lectures, observation tours of facilities, laboratory visitations, consultation corners, etc. Each venue was filled with many participants wearing serious, concentrated looks on their faces, showing the high level of interest. The new project titled "Tech-girls" targeting female high school students and examinees aspiring to attend the Faculty of Engineering saw vibrant energy in the venue, with lectures on student life and career/education paths by current female students and opportunities for conversations. Faculty of Integrated Human Studies employed the free-attendance policy with no maximum set for number of participants, and many attended the briefing this year as well.
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After the departmental briefings, participants freely explored the campus, visiting the Kyoto University Library, Kyoto University Museum, Historic Exhibition Hall, etc.; purchasing Kyoto University goods; and taking commemorative photos. These two days were filled with much positive energy.