Key Facts
• Takeo Asia University, Saga Prefecture’s third four-year university, opens in April 2024.
• Yuki Konagaya, 68, a cultural anthropologist specializing in Mongolian nomadic culture, will serve as president.
• Konagaya was awarded the Order of the Polar Star by Mongolia in 2022.
• The university emphasizes “regional co-creation” and hands-on learning in local communities.
• Students will study regional and Asian studies, including fieldwork in Saga and neighboring areas.
• Courses include “Asian Regional Studies” and “Regional Research Methodology.”
• Community engagement includes free public lectures and monthly cultural exchange events.
• The university aims to foster mutual understanding and collaboration between Asia and local communities.
Summary
Takeo Asia University, set to open in Saga Prefecture in April 2024, will be the region’s first four-year university in the western area. Yuki Konagaya, a renowned cultural anthropologist and expert in Mongolian nomadic culture, will lead the institution as its president. The university’s core philosophy centers on “regional co-creation,” encouraging students to engage with local communities as part of their education. Courses will focus on regional and Asian studies, with opportunities for fieldwork in Saga and nearby areas. Konagaya’s vision includes fostering a horizontal perspective to understand diverse cultures, a principle she developed through her extensive research in Mongolia. The university also plans to strengthen ties with the local community through free public lectures and cultural exchange events, aiming to make Takeo a second home for students. This initiative reflects a broader goal of promoting collaboration and mutual understanding between Asia and local regions.
