Information on the Takayuki Oyama Research Encouragement Fund | Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology Fund

Information about the Takayuki Oyama Research Encouragement Fund

The "Takayuki Oyama Research Encouragement Fund" is a fund established by our university (formerly Tokyo University of Fisheries) based on a donation from Mr. Takayuki Oyama, an alumnus of our university, who wished to encourage research activities aimed at solving problems in various fields such as marine life resources, marine environment and energy resources, and marine engineering.

This fund implements the "Oyama Research Encouragement Program," which encourages research projects that will shape the future of the ocean 20 to 30 years from now, and the "Oyama Prize Program," which encourages young researchers who will shape the future of the ocean 20 to 30 years from now.

Message from donor Takayuki Oyama regarding the establishment of the fund

Regarding the establishment of the fund

　I am a graduate of the fourth class of Tokyo University of Fisheries.

　After the war, when Tokyo University of Fisheries was located in Kurihama (Yokosuka City, now the Kurihama Garrison of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force), I studied and graduated from a school building that was essentially a makeshift barrack. My classmates and I at that time were truly raw and honest, pushing each other to improve.

　After graduating, I enrolled in a specialized course, but shortly after starting, my father fell ill, and I had to return to my hometown of Shima (Mie Prefecture). At that time, it was shortly after the war, and there was a strong desire to attract tourists from around the world in order to earn foreign currency. I was 22 years old and had just gotten married, but with the cooperation of both the government and private sector, I was able to start a tourist inn in my hometown. Later, I also started businesses such as pearl sales and cultivation. There were tough times in business, but with the support of my wife, who had a knack for finance and accounting, I was able to develop various businesses. Now, with the desire to use what I have gained from my businesses for the benefit of the university, I have requested the establishment of this fund.

Thoughts on the word "ocean"

　As an alumnus, I have been involved with the Rakusuikai alumni association. When the university was still Tokyo University of Fisheries, Professor Yayoi Ikeda, introduced by the Rakusuikai, asked me, "What should a fisheries university be like?" I remember answering her at the time, "We shouldn't confine ourselves to the field of fisheries. Why not think of it as ocean instead of fisheries?" I also made some bold suggestions, such as, "To make it easier to understand, why not change the university's name to something like Ocean University or Marine University?"

　Around the time the merger between Tokyo University of Fisheries and Tokyo University of Mercantile Marine was being discussed, I was asked for my opinion through the Rakusuikai (alumni association) on which university the president should come from. At that time, I said, "The president is like a hat; there's no need to be particular about which university you come from first. All that matters is that you have the ability."

　Later, I was invited to the commemorative ceremony celebrating the founding of Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, and I remember feeling humbled when Professor Rikuo Takai, who became the first president of the university, said in his toast speech, "The president is like a hat." It seemed that he had heard something I had said, and I was very grateful.

Together on the sea

　In October 2003, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology was established, transcending the boundaries of fisheries and merchant marine. More than 20 years have passed since then. My beliefs have not changed. We cannot have narrow-minded thinking; we are all the same at sea. I hope that this fund will be used to benefit Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, which goes beyond the fields of fisheries and merchant marine. This is my wish.

May 1, 28　　　　　　　　

Takayuki Oyama　　　　　

(Interview and writing by: Hirao, General Affairs Department)