Nara Institute of Science and Technology (NAIST) held an opening ceremony for the NAIST Shushin Residence (Nakayama-cho, Nara City) on 26 June 2026, ahead of its official opening on 1 July. As NAIST's first off-campus international exchange facility, the residence will provide accommodation for international interns and researchers while promoting international exchange within the University community.
The residence was established with the generous support of IIDA GROUP IIDA Co., Ltd., which provided its former company residence for NAIST to operate as an international exchange facility. IIDA GROUP has supported international students at NAIST for many years, and the establishment of the residence marks another milestone in the University's long-standing partnership with the company.
The opening ceremony was attended by representatives of IIDA GROUP IIDA Co., Ltd., local community leaders, members of the NAIST community, and international students. During the ceremony, President Kazuhiro Shiozaki highlighted the significance of transforming an existing company residence into a place that supports international exchange and talent development. He also expressed his sincere appreciation for IIDA GROUP's continued support of NAIST.
In recognition of the company's outstanding contributions to the University's education, research and international exchange activities, a certificate of appreciation was presented to IIDA GROUP IIDA Co., Ltd.
During her remarks, Ms Eri Iida shared the story behind the company's support for NAIST. Inspired by the vision of the late Chairperson, Ms Sachiko Iida, who welcomed international students from Indonesia and set a goal of helping educate ten doctoral graduates, the company has continued to support international students by providing an environment where they can fully concentrate on their studies while building friendships across different cultures.
Speaking on behalf of the international students, Maxmilyand Leiwakabessy expressed his sincere gratitude for IIDA GROUP's long-standing support. He described the NAIST Shushin Residence as a welcoming place where international students can begin their lives in Japan with confidence, support one another, and make the most of their internship experience.
Following the ceremony, participants toured the residence, including its shared kitchen and lounge facilities. They expressed their hopes that the residence would promote international exchange through communal living and further enhance NAIST's environment for welcoming international students and researchers.
As part of its J-PEAKS initiative supported by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), NAIST is strengthening international talent exchange and fostering an environment where people from different research fields and cultural backgrounds can collaborate. The University hopes the NAIST Shushin Residence will become a vibrant hub connecting international students, researchers and the wider NAIST community, creating new opportunities for learning, collaboration and academic exchange.
