Established in 2005, Department of Regional Design will, due to the reorganization of the faculty accompanying the relocation to the new campus, only provide education and research to fourth-year students, who will be the 18th cohort, in the 2025 academic year. For the past 20 years, we have strived in education and research with the fundamental principle of Department of Regional Design education set forth at the time of the department's founding in mind: "Learning from real-world regions through field surveys about basic academic disciplines, knowledge, and skills regarding how people interact with nature and industry, and how to solve health and welfare issues to create livable communities." We are truly pleased that we have sent many significant graduates out into society, working in various general companies, local governments, educational institutions, and even overseas aid work abroad, and that they are now active as key players in society. We are proud that this embodies the philosophy of our department.

The curriculum of this department begins with a foundational understanding of the three core areas of learning: "People and Nature," "Society and Industry," and "Health and Welfare." Students gradually deepen their expertise, and in their fourth year, they delve deeply into their chosen field, clarifying their research challenges and undertaking a "Comprehensive Research" project that marks the culmination of their university life. Building upon the foundational and advanced practical training, GIS education, and other unique educational programs of this department, students will gain an understanding of local conditions and will now be required to "envision" a better region. We, the faculty and staff, will provide even greater support for education and research to ensure that our students, in their final year, can spread their wings and soar into society. We look forward to you tackling academic challenges and achieving fruitful results. Finally, the educational philosophy cultivated in Department of Regional Design will be carried on into Department of Regional Community Studies.