At the beginning of the ceremony, Tomomi Morishima, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, spoke about the extensively renovated Union Square as follows: “Over the years, new issues have emerged in response to changing times and needs, including aging facilities and equipment, crowding in the cafeteria, and the need to enhance Union Square’s function as a public space where students can relax. With this renovation, Union Square has been transformed based on the concepts of ‘a place where diverse students can interact’ and ‘a comfortable and inviting campus living space.’ Alongside improvements to the dining environment, it has been reborn as a public space where students, faculty, and staff can gather, relax, and learn from one another.”

Next, Kozo Toyoda, Executive Trustee of Finance, presented a report on the renovation process, which was followed by the presentation of letters of appreciation and commemorative gifts. Congratulatory remarks were subsequently delivered by Hisaharu Kitada, Director and General Manager of the West Japan Branch of So Kikaku Sekkei Ltd., and Kohei Tsuruta, Executive Managing Officer of Takenaka Corporation.

Finally, Chancellor Yoshio Nakatani said, “I sincerely hope that the new Union Square will become a hub that supports students in their daily learning and growth and a place that gives rise to new encounters, new challenging endeavors, and co-creation.” He then closed the ceremony by expressing his gratitude to everyone who contributed to the project’s completion.

Union Square was originally established as a cafeteria when BKC opened. It has since become a familiar central campus facility frequented by students, faculty and staff, and members of the local community. In addition to serving as the core of BKC’s dining environment, it plays an important role as a place that fosters learning and interaction across the humanities and the sciences.

Students’ views were incorporated into this round of renovations by way of workshops, idea presentation sessions, BKC campus social gatherings, and other initiatives. The new Union Square is expected not only to support student life but also to become a community hub for BKC, connecting a diverse array of people and generating new opportunities for interaction and learning.