Dialogue between Executive Vice President Kaori Hayashi and students from UTokyo and Princeton!

On June 26, 2025, students from the University of Tokyo and Princeton University gathered at the Student Plaza in the Center for Global Education (GlobE) for a special dialogue session with Executive Vice President Kaori Hayashi (in charge of Diversity and Global Affairs).

Professor Yujin Yaguchi, Director of GlobE, moderated the session. A total of 17 students from both universities joined the discussion. The session began with opening remarks by EVP Kaori Hayashi, who introduced herself and shared memories from her visit to Princeton University. She also highlighted that Princeton University is one of UTokyo’s key strategic partners.

Following her remarks, the dialogue session on the theme of Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) was held, bringing together students from both Princeton University and UTokyo. The students held group discussions to develop questions while enjoying sandwiches and then asked them directly to EVP Hayashi. They posed many questions, including “What is the value of diversity?”, “What is the ultimate goal of the UTokyo’s diversity initiatives?”, and “What can I do to respect diversity?”

While discussing differences such as the gender ratio and admission procedures at both universities, EVP Hayashi responded: “When we consider diversity and speak up about it, more people will become interested. For people to take action, human networks are essential. It's important to expand these networks, regardless of gender or nationality. Also, by placing yourself in a minority position, you can gain perspectives you have not noticed before. The setting today, where students from both universities can meet and greet each other naturally with ‘How are you?’, is really wonderful. I hope you cherish this encounter and continue to deepen your exchanges in the future.” EVP Hayashi encouraged the students to continue working to shape the future of the world.