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At Tohoku UniversityEach table focuses on a specific recent topic such as “study abroad,” “research life,” “career paths, it can ” or “student projects.” An icebreaker session will be difficult to get information sometimesheld at the beginning so everyone feels comfortable joining. This is due event allows students to the fact that the portal site is difficult meet professors, seniors, and active peers in a relaxed atmosphere and explore ongoing opportunities in one go. ===Target===Students who want to use meet professors or seniors but feel shy in formal settings Students looking for new academic or career inspiration Professors, alumni, and information is dispersed student organizations interested in many different placesconnecting with current students ==Hackathon（2025～）== ===Background===Many students at Tohoku University say, “I have ideas, but I don’t know how to start,” or “I want to collaborate with people from other faculties or companies. To solve these problems” Through surveys, we propose a project found that many students are eager to try new things but lack an environment or trigger to effectively operate Tohoku University's official Instagram accountbegin. Since In Japan, the account is currently only in English culture of Hackathon—a short, intensive event where people team up to create ideas and is prototypes—is still not well known common. We believe that by providing an open and friendly hackathon space, students, we will add content to can experience the account excitement of creating together and gain confidence to increase awarenesstake on challenges.
Tohoku University studentStudents who have ideas but don’t know how to realize them Students who want to collaborate across faculties or industries Students interested in creativity, innovation, or social problem-solving<br />==Platform of diagnose which role-model is suitable for each students== ===Background===We often hear students around me say, "I have things I want to do, but I don't know what to do," or "I can't find what I want to do." We believe there are two factors that lead to this thinking: not knowing and hurdles to doing it. The reason of high hurdles is that the experiences of people who have already been there read like "Instagrammers". In other words, the world is teeming with success stories. Also, there are interested already many types that have been classified, so it is difficult to understand how to introduce them, and even if you listen to stories or read personal experiences, you don't feel any sense of familiarity with them. These issues are thought to discourage university students from taking on challenges and hinder their growth. ===Challenge===We maintain new platform like "16-personarities". By only answering the questions on platform, students can find "role models" who have tried somethings and can tell their success stories, failure stories, and the process leading up to them. By getting information about people who have had experiences similar to what you want, you will hopefully be able to clarify the path you should take and make it easier to take on future challenges. If desired, it is possible to match people with role models and introduce a system that encourages face-to-face interaction. The system can be expanded in Tohoku Universitythe future based on feedback from role model applicants and users.
At Tohoku University===Challenge===We will create new space in library. This includes a lot of parts. For instance, in period of exams, there is a support space where supporters are students who are motivated but have given up trying for some reasons. It also be a consultation counter like studying abroad, starting a business, taking on new challenges, obtaining qualifications, job hunting, such as etc. By creating a place that is truly a "I want to do somethingtreasure trove of information, but I don't have any ideas" or students can develop the habit of "I have something I want just going to do, but I the library" if they don't understand something or have any friends and there are not enough supportsconcerns. In addition, the culture There is one of design thinking has not taken root among Japanese students, and there seems important place. It is a cafe. There used to be a resistance cafe here a while ago, but it was removed due to updating management issues. However, as seen in the current social trends, the cafe serves as a single thing or idea workspace. We believe that by incorporating outside opinions deliberately setting up a cafe in the library, we can create a variety of "comfortable environments." Moreover, we suggest that library should have a relax space. Now, we only can read some books on the desk(like siting chair and rethinking it repeatedlyreading), but some people want to read in the relax space. As So, we create such a result, each idea often '''ends up being space according to needs. We believe that these will increase motivation to visit the library and help ensure that the library continues to function as a personal satisfactionsustainable repository of information.<br /> ===Target=== People who don't visit the library much these days People who are in trouble and have nowhere to seek advice People who want to do something but can't move==Tohoku Night University(the event in order to make the most of your university evenings)(2024～)== ===Background===We think most students of Tohoku University don', t spend the evening time in this university. They also use less resources of university effectively. We believe that this situation is sad and not an idea that is generally recognized as useful. There only is it a need to incorporate design thinking as a way to transform individual ideas into projects beneficial for societypoor use of university resources.
We will build a network UIF organize this event, set themes and invite clubs of university. Clubs can make booths and show their performance. Organizations that provide various types of support have booths where they can connect talk casually with people and help offer advice. Entertainment organizations have the students mentioned aboverole of raising awareness of the event and generating new interest through their performances. In addition, we This will establish a culture be held in Tohoku University where design thinking 6:00pm-8:00pm because this is used on a daily basisthe time when all classes are over and students can freely come into contact with various cultures and things.
Student organization leaders (first stage), all Tohoku University students (final stage)2.People who haven't found anything that interests them
As mentioned aboveTohoku University has a variety of support and systems for international exchange and the development of global human resources. In recognition of these, the culture university was also selected as a University of using Design Thinking has not taken root at Tohoku UniversityInternational Excellence. In order for However, according to interviews with international students to be able to apply Design Thinking to their own activities without resistance, we need learned that international students perceive Japanese students as not actively trying to promote Design Thinking use English, not only trying to understand the current efforts of international students, and not speaking to them voluntarily. Interviews with student leaders but also to freshmen and of international exchange groups provided insight that Japanese students who at Tohoku University are starting new projectsoften hesitant to use English for fear of failure. HoweverAlso, according to several professors, since design thinking we learned that many students tend to wait to see what is not being taught to all going on around them before speaking up. Society often regarded Tohoku University students in the current curriculaas "serious”. As a result of these findings, we need opportunities thought it was important to make them aware improve the positive attitude of its necessity and effectivenessexpression among Tohoku University students.
Promote ===Target===Tohoku University student, people who hesitant to express themselves. ==Online Suggestion Box== ===Background===Based on the interviews with the students in Tohoku University, there were times when the university failed to fully understand what met students’ needs and held seminars that were less attractive to them. In order to benefit both the necessary university and effective use the students, we would like to set up an online suggestion box to collect students’ opinions on what kind of design thinking events and contents they want. The university can then make adjustments and organize events according to the students’ voice. ===Challenge===How to collect the data we need may be one problem. We have to firstdecide on what platform to use. Then in the try-year out stage, after attending seminars, students are asked about the ideal events they want to join in the future. The data collected will be analyzed and those who are starting sent to the faculty as a new project, either from entrepreneurship classes or purely from their interestsway to improve attendance.
First-year ===Background===After entering college, I am confused about my choice of department and major. It seems natural that students are interested in what they want to study, and those who are starting a new project are that they cannot change their choices later on. However, when we survey students, we find that they all experience the main goals feeling of "I don't know what I want to achievedo. Exposing young students This feeling does not mean that there is nothing they really want to do, but rather that they do not know how to design thinking mindset will generate a positive wave make choices in the face of impact throughout rapidly changing interests when they imagine their 4-year journeyfuture career path, major, and employment options, and that they are anxious about not knowing why they cannot make those choices. On the other hand, there were many comments such as "I want to be in a new environment" and "I want to be able to see things from different perspectives," and students are searching for both past and future choices.
<br />===Challenge===According to the Career Development Assessment and Counseling model's readiness for career decision-making, when people make choices, they need to: know their options, have a plan, know themselves When we make a choice, we need to be able to: know our options, have a plan, know ourselves, have the ability to gather information, and have the ability to make a decision. We wanted to help in these two areas, knowing one's options and knowing oneself, by changing the environment rather than depending on the student's ability.
==Increase awareness with Design thinking demo workshop for students== ===Background=== As mentioned above, the culture of using Design Thinking has not taken root at Tohoku University. In order for students to be able to apply Design Thinking to their own activities without resistance, we need to promote Design Thinking not only to the current leaders but also to freshmen and students who are starting new projects. However, since design thinking is not being taught to all students in the current curricula, we need opportunities to make them aware of its necessity and effectiveness.
A lot Promote the necessary and effective use of plans design thinking to first-year students and executors match those who are starting a new project, either from entrepreneurship classes or purely from their interests.<br />
All people First-year students and those who are in Tohoku University starting a new project are the main goals to achieve. Exposing young students to design thinking mindset will generate a positive wave of impact throughout their 4-year journey. <br /><!--DO NOT EDIT BELOW THIS LINE -->
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== Effective use TUTI (Tohoku University Type Indicator)(2025~) == === Background ===In recent years, personality tests such as MBTI have become very popular among young people because they make self-understanding fun and easy. At Tohoku University, many students say they “want to find what they like” or “don’t know what to focus on.” However, the current environment makes it hard to discover personal interests. Information about programs or opportunities is often scattered — students rely on social media, word of mouth, or chance encounters with seniors. As a result, motivation and access to information vary widely among students. We believe that by combining the popularity of personality tests with the needs of university students, we can create a new tool that helps students discover their type, interests, and next step within the university. That idea is TUTI — Tohoku University offcial IG account Type Indicator. === Challenge ===Our challenge lies in how to design and sustain a type-based support system that truly works for students. We need to explore: * How can we classify student personalities in a way that feels accurate and meaningful, not superficial?* How can we choose a platform that encourages continuous participation — something simple, accessible, and engaging?* Most importantly, how can we connect each “type” with real opportunities, such as clubs, research, or events, so that students can take tangible next steps? The success of TUTI depends on balancing psychological insight with practical design — turning self-diagnosis into self-action. === Target ===Mainly 1st–2nd year students who want to discover their interests or goals Senior students seeking opportunities or data useful for career preparation Students who are unsure what to pursue or how to start something new ==Speed Networking（2025～）==
===Background===
Many students want to connect with professors, seniors, or other faculties but don’t know how to start conversations or find the right opportunities.
While there are seminars and career events, they often feel formal and distant.
We believe that casual, topic-based conversations can help students discover new interests, advice, and future directions more naturally.
===Challenge===
We will organize a Speed Networking Event where students move from one table to another, just like speed dating.
===Challenge===
We will create another university account organize Tohoku University Hackathon Project, starting with beginner-friendly mini hackathons open to all students, not only engineers. These events focus on design thinking and upload content that will be noticed by team idea creation around familiar topics such as “making student life more fun” or “sustainable campus.” As a next step, we plan company-collaboration hackathons where studentstackle real-world themes like environmental or social issues together with mentors and professionals. Examples include interviews with international Through this initiative, students can experience innovation firsthand and photos of the university in collaboration with the Tohoku University Photography Clublearn how to turn ideas into action.
===Target===
===Target===
People who can't take on a challenge
People who are unsure of what to do in college/people who want to discover their field of interest
<br />
==Second place in Sendai(Japan)==
===Background===
Most students of Tohoku University are from other regions like Kanto(included Tokyo), Kansai(included Osaka). It cause low level of affection for the local community. Sendai, Tohoku university is in, is a middle city in Japan, but it often is called "rural". We wanna students love this area for 4 or 6 years.
Also, there are a lot of elderly people. They think that the older they become, the less interaction they have with younger people.
===Challenge===
We create a service of creating the connection between students and elderly people.
We will be running an initiative to match local older adults who need young people's help (e.g. shopping, someone to talk to, mowing the lawn, etc.) with college students who are interested in interacting with older adults.
College students will be offered an hourly wage, providing what the elderly are looking for.This service is available to elderly people who apply themselves, as well as families who have elderly relatives in the same position.
===Target===
Students who want to feel proud to be in Sendai
Students who are conscious of cooperation with the local community Local elderly people and their families who want to interact with young people<br /> ==Innovation hub ''I-River''Creating new space in Library(2024～)==
===Background===
Kawauchi Library(Miyagi, Japan) functions as Tohoku University's general library. However, the number of people who use it becomes decreased. Also, Kawauchi Garage in this library is the start-up space, but this is not used now. As a result, the library is trending downward. We think it is very serious problem because the library is the central information hub. We believe there is one problem; students cannot use a lot of information in library.<br />
===Challenge===
We hold the event on the lawn at the university. The purpose of this event is "Creating serendipitous encounters". Most people get information from people who gets along with by chance. They can join it without advance registration and hurdles and talk with some people.
===Target===
1.People who want to try something new but haven't taken the first step because they lack information or courage
3.Organizations that want to provide information to people but are struggling to communicate effectively
<br />
==Make it easier for international students to participate in club activities (2023～)==
==Increase =Background===I am a member of the swimming club. One day, a foreign student came to our practice place and told us in kattered Japanese that he wanted to join the swimming club. At that time, the club's policy was not to accept him. I will never forget the sad look on his face. ===Challenge===Tohoku University has fewer international students who belong to club activities than other universities. According to university rules, international students are allowed to belong to club activities. However, in reality, many club activities do not accept international students. We believe this is because Japanese students try to avoid trouble in English communication in order to concentrate on club activities. ===Target===Communication support for both international and Japanese students and admission support for international students ==More understanding about LGBTQ+ in Tohoku University== ===Background===We found that it’s difficult to talk about LGBTQ+ openly in Tohoku University because they usually hesitate to discuss such topic and the circle which is related to it hasn’t been enough famous yet. ===Challenge===Collaborating with the circle called AROW and one of the organisations called Sendai Midori to kaze no kai, which does many activities for making more comfortable environment for People who have sexual minorities. ===Target===People who want to proceed the understanding of LGBTQ+ and people who are still not familiar with it. ==Addressing Financial Strain in University Sports Clubs: The Proposal for Incorporation== ===Background=== One significant challenge faced by the university's sports clubs, particularly the Athletic Department within the Student Association, is the substantial financial burden placed on its members. In some cases, the annual expenses associated with club activities exceed the cost of tuition itself. This issue is multi-faceted, with underlying problems such as waning popularity of sports, exorbitant sports-related costs, university funding concerns, and a diminishing connection with the local community. ===Challenge===The primary challenge is the considerable economic strain experienced by students participating in university sports clubs. This strain not only affects their academic pursuits but also limits their access to sports activities, impacting their overall university experience and well-being. ===Target===The central focus of these organizations will be to engage students interested in sports education and management, thereby creating a sustainable and financially accessible environment for all members, including those facing economic difficulties. ==Effective use of Tohoku University offcial IG account== ===Background=== At Tohoku University, it can be difficult to get information sometimes. This is due to the fact that the portal site is difficult to use and information is dispersed in many different places. To solve these problems, we propose a project to effectively operate Tohoku University's official Instagram account. Since the account is currently only in English and is not well known by students, we will add content to the account to increase awareness . ===Challenge===We will create another university account and upload content that will be noticed by students. Examples include interviews with Design thinking demo workshop for international studentsand photos of the university in collaboration with the Tohoku University Photography Club. ===Target===Tohoku University student, people who are interested in Tohoku University. <br />==Humor in the Margins of Tohoku University==
===Background===
===Challenge===
There are many underutilized margins on Tohoku University's campus. For example, the stairs in front of the station directly connected to the university (Tohoku University has no gate), and lawns all over campus. By using these spaces, we can pioneer and create unique events and devices to stimulate the creativity and sense of humor that other students have. And the students themselves will be able to freely express their own sensibilities. Our challenge is to create a campus where people can think, "What interesting things await me at the university today?" and "How can I entertain everyone today?"
===Target===
Students who want to explore more other than topics of general academia and have a deeper insight into the field they are passionate about. Faculty that wants to attract more students to come to an event.
==Career confidence==
===Target===Students who are not confident in their chosen department or are interested in other departments. Students who think there is nothing they want to do.<br />==Campus Retreat (2022-2022～)==
===Background===
===Target===
All students who want to tackle new things but they do not reach out enough resources to make their plans. .
==Match the executor with the plan==
===Background===
The results of interviews show us that Tohoku University students who want to contribute to Tohoku University are decreasing as the school year progresses. So, I want to make more people who are in Tohoku University like it and feel we belong to it. Therefore, I suggest that A lot of plans that are proposed and discarded and students that want to do something new match. By this, we can make Tohoku University growing with students.
===Challenge===
A lot of plans and executors match
===Target===
All people who are in Tohoku University
==Innovation hub ''I-River(2021～)''==
===Background===
At Tohoku University, there are students who are motivated but have given up trying for some reasons, such as "I want to do something, but I don't have any ideas" or "I have something I want to do, but I don't have any friends and there are not enough supports. In addition, the culture of design thinking has not taken root among Japanese students, and there seems to be a resistance to updating a single thing or idea by incorporating outside opinions and rethinking it repeatedly. As a result, each idea often '''ends up being a personal satisfaction''', and not an idea that is generally recognized as useful. There is a need to incorporate design thinking as a way to transform individual ideas into projects beneficial for society.
===Challenge===
We will build a network that can connect and help the students mentioned above. In addition, we will establish a culture in Tohoku University where design thinking is used on a daily basis.
===Target===
Student organization leaders (first stage), all Tohoku University students (final stage)
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===Challenge===
===Target===
[[Category:Student Priorities]]
[[Category:Tohoku University]]
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