Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike, in her annual policy address to the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly, highlighted plans to collaborate with Minerva University. She described Minerva as "the most innovative university in the world" while outlining a blueprint to transform education in Tokyo's high schools.
“We will collaborate with Minerva University to foster an attitude of working on problem-solving while being exposed to diverse values and ways of thinking,” said Governor Koike.
Governor Koike emphasized the value of combining digital and hands-on learning to prepare students for the future. “Education is the key to a bright future,” she added. “We will foster creativity, initiative, and a spirit of challenge.”
Minerva University, supported by a grant from the Nippon Foundation, will begin its residential undergraduate program in Tokyo in September 2025. The Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education will work with Minerva University and its students in Tokyo to support educational innovation in the city's public high schools. Minerva students, staff, and faculty will engage with educators and students to exchange perspectives on the science of learning and explore its applications in Japan. The goal: to foster meaningful cultural and academic interactions.
Minerva University undergraduate students from dozens of countries immerse themselves in the city and in Japan more broadly, participating in hands-on projects focused on Japanese culture, society, and innovative industries, gaining practical experience by partnering with communities and businesses, and researching solutions to societal issues within the Japanese context.
"Tokyo wants to be a global education leader, showing how to integrate Minerva University’s approach into its systems, and this could inspire other cities around the world to support more innovation in higher education," said Minerva University President Michael Magee.
Here is the text of the full speech, translatable by AI.
About Minerva University: Minerva University, a nonprofit institution based in San Francisco, California, is a groundbreaking university accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Minerva University reimagines higher education for the 21st century. Students live and study in global cities while completing their degrees. The curriculum emphasizes active learning, practical knowledge application, and cross-cultural understanding. Through its innovative digital learning platform and small, discussion-based classes, Minerva prepares students to become global leaders and problem-solvers. It has been named the World’s Most Innovative University for the past three years by World University Rankings for Innovation.