I was largely delighted that Professor Takahashi from the School of Integrated Psychology at Ritsumeikan University OIC came to visit me “yet once again” (this is the second time in the last 10 days…)! The purpose of this visit was to hold a strategy meeting—with about five of us, including Dr. Mimori, the director of Beppu Hospital affiliated with Kyushu University School of Medicine, whom we had met for the first time at our initial meeting 10 days ago—regarding the “optical illusion art” exhibition to be displayed within the hospital. We walked through every corner of the beautiful hospital—which was renovated five years ago—and had a lively discussion about where and how to display the art. Optical illusion art that seems to wriggle and twist in the wide, pure-white corridors… I’m sure this will definitely be “Instagram-worthy”!

Once the serious meeting was over, we all headed out down to the Kitahama district, Beppu’s bustling downtown area. Over delicious yakiniku and beer, we had a serious—albeit slightly tipsy—discussion about how Beppu Hospital, Ritsumeikan APU, and Ritsumeikan OIC could collaborate, focusing on “medicine” and “healthcare.” I’m a faculty member in the School of Business Administration who researches psychological science, but I also have a long background in the medical field, so I have various ideas I’d like to try out in this area as well. From both a business and academic perspective, I’m looking forward to launching some exciting collaborations in fiscal year 2026! Let’s all go out for drinks again soon!

嬉しいことに、立命館大学OIC総合心理学部の高橋教授が「また」来られました（この10日間で2回目…）！今回の目的は、10日前の初会合で顔合わせした九州大学医学部付属別府病院の院長である三森先生も交えて5人ほどで、病院内に展示する「錯視アート」の展示に関する作戦会議でした。5年前に改装した綺麗な病院内を隅々まで歩きながら、どこにどのように展示するかを皆でわいわいと話し合いました。真っ白で広い廊下にぐにゃぐにゃ動く錯視アート…。これは「映える」と思われます！

真面目な会議が終わったので、別府の繁華街である北浜界隈へ皆で繰り出して皆で美味しい焼肉とビールを摂取しながら、「医療」や「ヘルスケア」を軸に、別府病院と立命館APU、立命館OICとでどういう協業ができるかを酩酊した頭でまじめに議論しました。私は心理科学を研究した経営学部教員ですが、医療畑が長かった人間でもあるので、この辺りでも色々と試してみたいアイデアがあります。事業と学術の双方から、2026年度は面白いコラボレーションを始めたいと思います！皆さん、また飲みましょう！