The Kyoto Computer Graduate Institute (KCGI) has established the "Cyber Kyoto Laboratory." The purpose of this laboratory is to facilitate the collaboration between universities around the world using e-learning with the concept of what they call “Open University Kyoto”. Cyber Kyoto Laboratory also aims to increase the use of top-level geographical domain “.kyoto” , which is scheduled to be open next year. They have decided to locate the laboratory in the Keihanna Open Innovation Center (KICK, formerly known as Watashino Shigoto building, in Seikacho, Kizugawa-shi ), a research facility managed by Kyoto Prefecture. On September 4, 2014, the "Cyber Kyoto Laboratory" was officially approved by the Kyoto Prefectural Government as a research laboratory based in the innovation center. Watashino Shigoto building was previously closed due to financial difficulties and taken over by Kyoto prefecture in April this year from the national government. Since then, Keihanna Open Innovation Center (KICK) has been seeking research institutions and academic research facilities that have suitable research proposals as its tenants and KCGI’s proposal was acknowledged as the first tenant at the newly named Innovation center. The prefectural government thoroughly evaluated the Cyber Kyoto Institute’s plan saying, "We expect the Cyber Kyoto Laboratory to serve as a base for disseminating research and development in ICT and education from Kyoto to the rest of the world.”
On the day of the accreditation ceremony, Mr. Wataru Hasegawa, Chairman of the KCG group that manages KCGI, received the certificate from Mr. Keiji Yamada, Governor of Kyoto Prefecture. Afterwards they held a joint press conference to announce the collaboration between Kyoto prefecture and the Cyber Kyoto Laboratory.
At the beginning of the press conference, Governor Yamada addressed the audience and said, "I hope that KICK will be a facility that supports the future of not only Kyoto but also Japan. The development and advancement of ICT and education is a theme appropriate for Kyoto Prefecture. The prefecture will do its utmost to promote the project." After President Hasegawa introduced the KCGI group and the approved plan, Mr. Makoto Nagao, Counselor of Kyoto Prefecture (former President of Kyoto University), explained how the KCGI plan was approved: "Of the four research areas specified in the development policy for the efficient and effective use of KICK, ICT and education fall under the plan. KCGI's plan was approved. It is a very attractive project, and the selection members unanimously decided to approve it."
In explaining the specifics of the plan, President Hasegawa said, "As the first computer education institution in Japan, since the establishment, we have continued our activities here in Kyoto for more than 50 years. While maintaining our position as an educational institution, we will strive to revitalize the local communities by spreading 'Global Kyoto' to the world."
The "Cyber Kyoto Laboratory" project has the following two aims: (1)To enhance the brand power of "Kyoto" through the use of ".kyoto" domain, for which KCGI serves as the registry administrator. The project also seeks to strengthen the transmission of real Kyoto information and revitalize the region. (2) To develop the "Open University Kyoto" project. "Open University Kyoto" aims to create a system on the internet, for cooperative education between universities in Asia and those based in Kyoto. The institute is scheduled to open in August 2015.
Businesses to be conducted under the ".kyoto" domain include: holding seminars and workshops to promote the spread of the domain name, building a Kyoto brand certification system, building a safe and secure Internet access system for schools, and building and operating a clean domain check system. The "Open University Kyoto" project includes the design and implementation of various platforms, such as educational content creation platforms, as well as the design of a cyber study abroad system. The project will be carried out under an "all-Kyoto" structure, working hand in hand with Kyoto Prefecture and local residents to promote the project and revitalize the local community. This is the ultimate goal of the project.
On the same day, "Next Generation Zero Emission: Kyoto Model Research and Demonstration Plan" of Japan Telenet Corporation (headquartered in Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City) was also approved.
