Message from the Chairman

I would like to deliver my sincere greetings to all stake holders of Meiji Pharmaceutical University (MPU) as the 12th chairman of the Board of Directors.

MPU was founded by Professor Shigenobu Onda in 1902, with the aim of educating and inspiring the pharmacists responsible for public health by promulgating pharmaceutical knowledge in society and implementing the separation of dispensing and prescribing functions. For 122 years, Professor Onda's spirit has led to the success of many generations of MPU students. I am proud of the glorious history of MPU and will devote myself to holding up the highest levels of education and research, so that MPU will keep attracting talented students from all over Japan.

I will maintain a robust financial base for preparing the highest educational environments for students, and secure the best teaching staff so that graduates of MPU continue to achieve high employment rates and passing rates for the licensure examination of pharmacists in Japan.

With the continuing accelerations of both the decline in the nation's birthrate and the aging of our society, we are facing various difficulties in the management of higher education in Japan. In addition, social demands are surging for reformation of pharmacist performance in clinical practice through the revised Pharmaceutical Affairs Act.

I consider that the board of MPU and each member of the university staff should grasp the social landscape surrounding education and research in Japanese pharmaceutical universities. I will propose evidence-based forward planning for restructuring the educational and management systems. Unceasing evolution in pharmacist education in response to the demands of both patients and wider society is the very spirit of MPU from its foundation by Professor Onda.

As Chairman of the Board of Directors, I will visit graduates across the country and spend time in honest communication. I consider that open discussion with graduates is the most welcome path to the sound management of their alma mater.

I sincerely request the assistance of all teaching and office staff, students, and all stakeholders in the sustainable development of MPU.