--- title: Global Kigyo - TIME - Partner Content - Future-proofing the Classroom description: Future-proofing the Classroom canonical: https://time.com/branded-content/global-kigyo/future-proofing-the-classroom/ article:opinion: false article:content_tier: free article:published_time: 2026-08-31T10:36:38.377Z article:modified_time: 2026-08-31T08:53:07.961Z article:section: Paid Partner Content og:title: Global Kigyo - TIME - Partner Content - Future-proofing the Classroom og:description: Future-proofing the Classroom og:url: https://time.com/branded-content/global-kigyo/future-proofing-the-classroom/ og:site_name: TIME og:image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt03901b55bd9b285a/6a953a46e670055ad076afbe/JAIST_01_(for_thumbnail)_-_size_edited.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9 og:image:width: 1200 og:image:height: 675 og:image:alt: TIME og:type: article twitter:card: summary_large_image twitter:title: Global Kigyo - TIME - Partner Content - Future-proofing the Classroom twitter:description: Future-proofing the Classroom twitter:image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt03901b55bd9b285a/6a953a46e670055ad076afbe/JAIST_01_(for_thumbnail)_-_size_edited.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9 --- # Future-proofing the Classroom  Education is all about building for tomorrow. In an age of unprecedented technological and social change, preparing for that future has now become one of the most important challenges facing institutions across the world. Faced with seismic cultural and computing developments moving faster than ever, Japanese universities and educational businesses are working to keep one step ahead of the revolution. That can mean adopting new technologies and systems or implementing globalized programs—but for the leaders involved in the sector, the only constant is change. Masaki Inayoshi, president of education firm NOVA Holdings Co. Ltd., believes the best way to future-proof students and pupils is to embrace technology and an international outlook. “We are planning to launch a new business style known as ‘AI Ryugaku,’ allowing people to study overseas using this technology. Of course, we cannot ignore AI anymore, however, we are seeing several different trends that do come and go,” said Inayoshi. He also believes that harnessing proper digital transformation (DX) in education will be of utmost importance. “From a student’s point of view, they want to see how much progress they have made. Similarly, teachers want to see clear information about students. This kind of information sorting is very important, so NOVA’s goal will be to create this overall ecosystem,” he commented.  Credit: Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (JAIST) Forging the right tech path is also central to the Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology’s strategies. “One key area is information technology and human capabilities, including how humans process information. From a functional perspective, areas such as vision and hearing have traditionally been studied through materials science,” said president Minoru Terano. “Exploring how advanced technologies can enhance the spiritual and cognitive aspects of humans is a very interesting research area, especially as AI continues to advance rapidly.” The quickly evolving world of AI remains one of the most crucial aspects to consider for the future of education, especially in scientific and medical studies. Toshiaki Sunazuka, president of Kitasato University, has seen great results from such tech developments across different fields. “We operate three affiliated hospitals, where we have been steadily introducing digital tools and AI technologies to develop what we consider ‘smart hospitals’,” said Sunazuka. “These innovations improve operational efficiency and support more accurate diagnostics. In addition, we are incorporating robotics into medical procedures, further advancing the quality of care,” he commented. Striking that balance between digital education tech and the need for in-person learning skills will also be increasingly important. Eiko Tanimoto, president of the board of trustees and chancellor of Kansai Gaidai University, said real world education must still be supported and encouraged. “We do offer courses that utilize AI and ICT tools, but there is still a very clear difference between digital learning and in-person education. Machines and digital tools are extremely effective for handling information and data, but face-to-face learning provides students with deeper human experiences, broader perspectives, and lasting impressions,” said Tanimoto. “I believe universities must increasingly integrate language education with technical skills and specialized expertise. Without that combination, students may struggle once they enter the workforce,” she added. In the creative arts and media industries, students are also being prepared for a future where technology is at the very heart of the process. Sachikazu Kabayama, president of Musashino Art University, believes the introduction of AI to education and creative work must be managed correctly. “Art comes from trial and error, which ends up with a final way that you express yourself. When using AI, it should be explicitly said that this is being used, as well as other people’s information,” said Sachikazu. “While it can be used as a tool during creation—realistically we are unable to avoid it now. 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