【IAR Connection】【Kunio AWAGA】12th President of Toyota College of the National Institute of Technology
In “IAR Connection,” we introduce people who have contributed as part of the Institute for Advanced Research (IAR). For this edition, we talked with Dr. Kunio Awaga, who served as the Ninth IAR Director. Dr. Awaga is currently the 12th President of Toyota College of the National Institute of Technology, popularly known as “Toyota Kosen.” One of the higher education institutions of the “Kosen” system, Toyota Kosen established in 1963 to train future engineers and other specialists, it celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2023. The college’s substantial five-year program of education and research (seven years for students in advanced courses) continues to produce excellent specialists trusted by society.
(Interview and Text: Tatsuro AYATSUKA, Interview Date: December 8, 2025)
Dr. Kunio AWAGA
Twelfth President, Toyota College, National Institute of Technology
Posts at Nagoya University
2022–2025: Ninth Director, Institute for Advanced Research
2005–2025: Professor, Graduate School of Science
Area of specialization: Physical chemistry
―Could you tell me what your work consists of today?
As Toyota Kosen’s President, I lead the college at the helm while adhering to its philosophy and principles steadfastly, ensure an environment in which all personnel can perform their duties in the best possible manner, and promote Toyota Kosen externally, among other responsibilities… such is my work.
―What was your first impression of Toyota Kosen when you first arrived at your post?
I was made vividly aware of the power of Toyota Kosen’s characteristics. First of all, the students are incredibly talented. They’re quite hands-on and great team players. For example, at the 6th National Institute of Technology Deep Learning Contest (DCON2025) held last year, Toyota Kosen’s “Nagara” Team won the top prize. They developed an AI-aided system with a small microphone that allows nursing facility personnel to automatically generate reports and other documents to reduce paperwork, which often gets in the way of actual nursing care on the ground. The system uses already existing technologies, but it is readily applicable in actual nursing settings. The proactive way the students visited the facilities to identify problems firsthand and took steps to ensure collaboration from the local community typifies Kosen’s characteristics. Needless to say, you can’t overlook the presence of teachers who support the students in their endeavors. They pursue their own research while teaching classes and providing students with guidance on student life, which is no easy task. What comes into play here is the Kosen spirit. In fact, many of our teachers are also Kosen graduates, and many of them have chosen this career path because they wanted to transmit something to future generations at the college. We also have many Kosen graduates among the parents. Overall, the ties among people who love Kosen provide strong support to college life.
―What would be your message to the IAR?
I think it would be great if the IAR proudly emphasized its unique qualities and, by extension, Nagoya University’s unique qualities in its activities. Regarding Toyota Kosen, I spoke about the Kosen spirit and the graduates’ love for Kosen. It would be great if, in a similar way, there were a well-established system that allows NU alumni to stay connected with the university long after their graduation. Finally, Toyota Kosen really has many truly excellent students. I would be most pleased if some collaborative system were put in place that would allow such students to engage in interesting projects at Nagoya University.
