The 4th Ecovillage International Conference Tokyo was held at Kioicho Campus in conjunction with the opening of the Faculty of Social and Environment Studies. It is a conference to learn from the examples of the world and to share domestic activities related to ecovillages, which are becoming increasingly popular all over the world as a way of living that takes in the idea of building an environment-friendly and mutually-supportive community.

In this event, about 10 panel discussions and more than 30 lectures were created with the theme: “Relocalization for the sustainable earth: Reconstruction of the Urban and Ecovillage Solution for the Rural Areas.” Participants from abroad included Dr. Li Jingsheng, Professor at Tongji University College of Architecture and Urban Planning, China, an expert in urban designing and planning, and Ms. Penelope Reyes, President, Global Ecovillage Network Oceania & Asia, who is engaged in environmental education. During the event, approximately 1,000 people visited the venue from various countries, which made the event a highly international place of information provision.

Professor Hirotaka Suzuki of the Faculty of Social and Environment Studies gave a speech entitled, “Urban greening and town planning,” and discussed the construction of towns with greenery and flowers, based on his experience in public administration concerning greenery in parks during his work in a government office. Moreover, Professor Kiwamu Obuchi of the Faculty of Media Studies gave a talk entitled: “Establishment of a community with eco and media –through project education in university.”