The activities of The University of Osaka researchers at the forefront to return the results of their education and research to society have a history of more than half a century. Under a common theme, researchers do not speak one-sidedly about their respective fields of expertise, but rather engage in dialogues with and think together with participants. Researchers find new issues through dialogues with participants, resulting in the creation of the following education and research.
In 1968, the open lecture was started. Initially the open lecture was called the “public lecture.” The public lecture became the open lecture in 2012 after “Nakanoshima Lecture” and “Kaitokudo for the 21st Century Lecture.” The University of Osaka open lecture has been held again at the Nakanoshima Center since its 55th lecture, after undergoing renovations in commemoration of the 90th anniversary of The University of Osaka and the 100th anniversary of The University of Osaka of Foreign Studies. The Center has been well received for its excellent facilities and beautiful scenic view.

Science Agora is a generic term for a place connecting science and society, which is open to everyone and sponsored by the Japan Science and Technology Agency. Osaka University held “Science Agora in Osaka” in 2019 under the theme of urban disaster prevention and has been holding Science Agora in Nakanoshima since 2021 as a roundtable where diverse values intersect, in preparation for the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan.

Wani Café is an attempt to share front-line knowledge with its participants, which is provided by experts in various fields of humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Wani Café aims to create interactive dialogues where participants can freely discuss familiar themes as their own issues in a relaxed café-like setting. The name Wani Café comes from the official mascot of The University of Osaka, Dr. Wani (crocodile).

Nakanoshima is an urban middle ground symbolizing Osaka as the “city of water” where cultural facilities such as museums, historical buildings, parks, and waterfront nature coexist. As the creative network organization of 14 institutions, Creative Island Nakanoshima aims to improve the transmission of “Nakanoshima in the world” through various projects and activities as a “creative experimental island.”

In cooperation with community FM in the Hokusetsu area, we have been disseminating information through regular programs. We also have been introducing the open lectures of Kaitokudo for the 21st Century, Creative Island Nakanoshima, as well as research and activities of Osaka University that will be exhibited at the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan. We also have been deepening our ties with the community through a portal site that disseminates local information, including events sponsored by Kaitokudo for the 21st Century.

Kaitokudo for the 21st Century is conducting various civic activities together with our students under the motto of The University of Osaka's basic philosophy, “live locally, grow globally.” Kaitokudo for the 21st Century is not limited to the campus but goes out into the community to design and manage philosophy cafes and civic theaters. In the “Community Activities and Dialogue” class for on-campus students, we discuss with students the state of civic activities through dialogues with citizens and experts and fieldwork.

Kaitokudo for the 21st Century is also collaborating with the Minoh Campus (The University of Osaka Global Campus (OUGC)), which moved to Shin-Semba, downtown Minoh, in April 2021. Kaitokudo for the 21st Century is carrying out outreach activities to the public in cooperation with OUGC, which focuses on international cultural activities centering on the School of Foreign Studies. Other open spaces such as Handai Hiroba (The University of Osaka Square), Piloti, and Symbol Plaza are also used to promote interaction with the local community.

Nakanoshima is the symbolic sandbank of the water city Osaka, and a hub of both economic activity and culture. Around the world, there are creative cities—like Nakanoshima—that feature clusters of cultural and academic institutions such as museums, theaters, and universities. Taking the opportunity of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, the “Nakanoshima Pavilion Festival” will be held as a signature initiative that transforms the entire Nakanoshima area into a unique venue.
By reimagining existing cultural facilities and architectural landmarks as “pavilions,” and by integrating public spaces such as parks, waterfronts, and open plazas, this festival will comprehensively promote to the world the extraordinary charm and limitless potential of Nakanoshima, a true treasure trove of top-tier cultural assets.