Seiichi Shimada, Chairman of Tsuda University

Even if you fail, don't run away; by repeatedly reflecting on your mistakes, you will grow as a person.

Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Tsuda University　Seiichi Shimada(Shimada Seiichi)

■ Profile
Graduated from the Faculty of Law, University of Tokyo. Formerly served as Executive Vice President and CIO of Mitsui & Co., Ltd., President and CEO of Nihon Unisys, Ltd., and Chairman of the Japan Housing Finance Agency. Also served as Chief Advisor of ISE Co., Ltd.
His works include "Work Techniques for Turning Challenges into Opportunities" (Heibonsha, 2014).

Tsuda University, under the motto of "Being a woman who leads change," has produced many talented individuals. Its founder is Tsuda Umeko, who is featured on the new 5000 yen bill. We spoke with Chairman of the Board of Trustees Seiichi Shimada about the appeal of Tsuda University, the type of student the university is looking for, and educational reforms.

■What kind of student life did you have?

During my junior and senior high school years, I devoted myself every day to club volleyball, and I think I learned the importance of hard work and persistence. I also loved reading books, and would immerse myself in them whenever I had free time. I was particularly influenced by Goethe's "Italian Voyage." I think this book sparked my interest in different cultures and opened my eyes to the world.
During my university days, I actively interacted with international students from Asia. I gave advice to students from Thailand, Vietnam, and India and supported them in their daily lives. From this experience, I learned the importance of understanding different cultures and ways of thinking, as well as the importance of speaking frankly without being afraid of differences of opinion.
After graduating from university, he joined Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and gained business experience around the world. He then served as president of Nihon Unisys (now BIPROGY Corporation) and president of the Japan Housing Loan Corporation, before becoming chairman of Tsuda University.

■Please tell us about your efforts at university.

As chairman of the board, I have focused on establishing new faculties and educational reform. In particular, the establishment of the Faculty of Policy Studies at the Sendagaya Campus in April 3 was a major achievement. This innovative faculty integrates the three fields of data science, social science, and English.
Our university places emphasis on data science and liberal arts, cultivating students' ability to think from multiple perspectives. We place importance on problem-solving education, cultivating students' ability to identify and tackle problems on their own. Students tackle real social problems and propose solutions. This allows them to gain practical skills as well as confidence and a sense of accomplishment.
We also place emphasis on English education, aiming to help students acquire English skills that can be used in real business situations.

■Message to students

Stay positive and cheerful, and don't be afraid to take on challenges. When you encounter difficulties, you may sometimes feel like running away, but if you run away, your failures will not become experiences. By repeatedly reflecting on your mistakes, you will grow and move towards success.
It is also important to have a humble attitude and ask for help if you don't understand something. Successful people are more open-minded and eager to learn because they know that having people to teach them helps them grow.

Student Newspaper October 1, 2024 Issue Tsuda University 10nd Year Student Ishimatsu Karin