JANU President Junichi Hamada (President, The University of Tokyo) The 21st century is seeing the rise of a knowledge-based society, and higher education is playing a very important role in this context in terms of forming people's character as well as promoting national strategies, such as the development and promotion of society, the economy, and culture and the strengthening of national competitiveness in the international arena. Moreover, as global environmental problems, financial crises, and other world-scale issues become more serious, universities and other institutions of higher education are being called upon to contribute to the resolution of these issues and the achievement of sustainable development. For this reason, nations around the world are increasing their investment in higher education and endeavoring to heighten the international competitiveness of their institutes of higher education. Japan is the only member of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development that is decreasing its investment in this area. This is shaking the foundations of Japan as a nation based on the creativity of science and technology. Further investment in higher education is needed for Japan to enjoy sustainable development in the future. In partnership with public and private university associations, the Japan Association of National Universities (JANU) is doing its utmost to expand public investment in higher education and enhance the tax system related to donations. In the context of international competition, Japan's national universities need to serve both as national centers that engage in the international competition and as regional centers that contribute to the development of their local areas and society. Thanks to their outstanding research and their education programs inspired by that research, Japan's national universities produce outstanding human resources. Moreover, our national universities have become centers of local expertise and hubs for the training of high-level professionals that support their local area. Since their incorporation in particular, national universities have energetically engaged in various reforms. Drawing on their unique institutional philosophies and characteristics, they have created management strategies, revitalized their education and research activities, enhanced student services, and promoted industry-academia partnerships and contributions to their local areas. JANU will continue to clearly communicate the activities of universities to the people of Japan so that these energetic measures are not hindered by financial factors as the national universities seek to perform the key role of guaranteeing equal opportunity in education for all Japanese. By enhancing the understanding of government and citizens regarding national universities, we will strive to further develop these universities. The economic situation is deteriorating, and a sense of insecurity and helplessness is spreading through society today. At such a time as this in particular, national universities must play a major role as hubs of knowledge in shedding light on the future. The 2009 fiscal year is the final year of national universities' stage 1 midterm goals and plans as well as the year for national universities to formulate their stage 2 midterm goals and plans and take a step toward the next phase of their development. In light of this, JANU will make additional efforts to make a further leap forward. We welcome your continued support of our national universities throughout the country as well as your cooperation with the Japan Association of National Universities.