Kohichi Akashi, the vice-president and designated special professor, has been confirmed as the new President of Kyushu University. His term will start on October 1 and last for six years. At a press conference announcing his appointment, Akashi expressed a desire to enhance the university's traditional values while also promoting social transformation through education. As an expert in hematology and leukemia research, Akashi highlighted his commitment to driving the university forward in an increasingly challenging environment for national universities in Japan.

This change in leadership comes at a time when Kyushu National University, like many others, is facing declining operational subsidies from the government. Akashi's appointment is particularly notable as he marks the third consecutive president to come from the medical school, indicating a strong emphasis on medical research and expertise at the university. His experience includes serving as a professor at Kyushu University Hospital since 2004 and having held the position of hospital director from 2018 to 2022.

In his vision for the future, Akashi has outlined plans to improve management through strengthened industry-academia collaboration and contribute to 17 strategic fields identified for active investment by the Takeda administration. He confirmed his intention to leverage Kyushu University's strengths to foster growth and continue its legacy as a leading institution in higher education in Japan.