On Monday, July 27, 2026, Gifu University Organization for Promotion of Glocalization (GU-GLOCAL) held the Gifu University Symposium / GU-GLOCAL Symposium 2026, “Flourishing in the AI Age: Agency, Learning, and Connection,” in the university auditorium. A total of 374 participants from both within and outside the university attended the event (in person: 280, online 94)
The symposium began with a keynote lecture by Professor Ulrike Schaede of the University of California, San Diego, entitled “Japan’s Hidden Strengths: Toward a New Balance and Resilience.” Professor Schaede presented the Harvard Growth Lab's Global Product Complexity Rankings, noting that Japan possesses highly advanced manufacturing technologies and remains indispensable to global manufacturing. At the same time, she pointed out that Japan itself does not fully recognize the extent of these strengths. She encouraged the audience to reassess Japan’s competitive advantages and spoke about the concept of “gentle capitalism,” a model better suited to Japanese society that values not only economic growth but also social stability and human well-being.
Following the keynote lecture, a discussion session was held featuring Professor Schaede, Visiting Professor MOGI Kenichiro, a neuroscientist and author, and Vice President Lim Lee Wah (Global Outreach and Engagement/Promotion of Diversity and Gender Equality/Library Management) representing Gifu University. The discussion ranged from what first sparked Professor Schaede’s interest in Japan to the importance of pursuing one’s passions in depth. The speakers emphasized that experiencing different cultures and meeting new people can help individuals discover their own strengths. One particularly memorable remark —“What is most important in the AI era is encounters with people (deAI)”— drew enthusiastic reactions from the audience.
GU-GLOCAL will continue to organize programs that foster international perspectives among students, faculty, staff, and members of the local community.
This symposium will be made available at a later date through Glocal Lesson.
Keynote Lecture
Panel Discussion
Related Link
Glocal Lesson (ご視聴にはGlocal Lessonへの無料会員登録が必要です / Free membership registration is required to view. This content is available only in Japanese.)
