I took a different bus than the one I usually take, heading toward the natural sciences area. I got off at a different stop, and although the scenery along the way was familiar for a while, the path beyond that was new, which felt quite refreshing. As I am on a new stage, I expect the scenery I see from here on out will change in many ways. I will do my very best.

I mentioned that I would be leaving the Faculty of Arts and Science on March 31st, but in fact, I have transferred within the university starting in April. I have moved to the Data-Driven Innovation Promotion Headquarters (commonly known as the DX Promotion Headquarters), which Kyushu University has newly established. There was an open call for applications, and although I was hesitant, my family and the people who have supported me encouraged me to take the leap. I applied and was selected. The final decision took some time, and I was anxious, wondering if it would really go through… My supervisor, Director Rin-ichiro Taniguchi (Deputy Head of the DX Promotion Headquarters) / Vice President, who has been the head of the Learning Analytics Center and has supported my research, told me, “It will be fine,” but personnel matters can be quite daunting…

My new post is in the Digital Society Creation Division within the DX Promotion Headquarters. Until now, I have been working on research in Learning Analytics and Educational Technology. However, in this new role, I will be working on the ideal state of a digital society, as well as related development and social implementation research, by integrating not only research approaches from intelligent informatics and data science but also from the humanities and social sciences. I will continue to hold a concurrent position at the Graduate School of Human-Environment Studies, so I will maintain my Educational Technology laboratory as it is. My primary research and focus will remain on Learning Analytics and Educational Technology, just as before. I look forward to advancing my research while collaborating with various professors and practitioners both inside and outside the university. I will do my best to create cases that embody a digital society by applying research findings from various fields, not limited to education.

Furthermore, my position has changed from Associate Professor to Professor. This makes me feel a sense of responsibility, knowing that I will be conducting research of such significance. However, I intend to continue the friendly and harmonious atmosphere we have had in the laboratory and pursue research that makes everyone happy. I look forward to enjoying this journey.

Thank you for your continued support.