"Necessary Conditionism": A New Way of Thinking about DE&I

The Kyoto University Communication Design and DE&I Consortium will hold a symposium on Friday, June 19, 2026, at the Kyoto University Clock Tower.

This symposium will feature the concept of "Necessary Conditionism." Instead of falling into "Sufficient Conditionism," such as thinking "it's enough to just increase the ratio of female managers" or "meeting the statutory employment rate for persons with disabilities is sufficient," this approach identifies the conditions for "what is necessary" to realize DE&I and solves them one by one. By intertwining historical perspectives with cutting-edge practical knowledge from the field, we will re-examine what is needed to ensure DE&I does not remain a mere formality.

Through talk sessions featuring Mr. Ryunosuke Fukai of the popular podcast "COTEN RADIO" and leading researchers, as well as poster presentations and audience-participation meetings, we will share on-the-ground insights and deepen dialogue.

Event Overview

'Kyoto University Communication Design and DE&I Consortium Public Symposium 2026'

Date and Time

Friday, June 19, 2026, 13:00-17:00 (Part 1: 13:00-14:30 / Part 2: 14:45-17:00)

Venue

Kyoto University Centennial Clock Tower Memorial Hall, International Exchange Hall I & II (Kyoto University Main Campus, immediately in front of the Kyoto University Main Gate bus stop)

View Details

*Media registration for this event is accepted. Please log in as a media user to view information for coverage, or contact the inquiry address at the end.

Program Details

Part 1 | 13:00-14:30 | Keynote Talk Session & Crossover Meeting

Mr. Ryunosuke Fukai (Representative Director & CEO, COTEN Inc.), Dr. Misato Nihei (Professor, Department of Intelligent Mechanical Systems, Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo)

Dr. Renge Jibu (Associate Professor, Institute of Liberal Arts, Tokyo Institute of Science), Mr. Rengyo (Co-Representative of the Consortium, Specified Associate Professor, Graduate School of Management, Kyoto University)

With Mr. Ryunosuke Fukai of the popular podcast "COTEN RADIO" as the main guest, discussions will unfold on the theme of "Gender Inclusivity from a Historical Perspective."

Together with Dr. Misato Nihei (Professor, The University of Tokyo), Dr. Renge Jibu (Associate Professor, Tokyo Institute of Science), and Mr. Rengyo, Co-Representative of the Consortium, we will re-examine the indispensable conditions for realizing DE&I from the perspective of "Necessary Conditionism."

Part 2 | 14:45-17:00 | Poster Session & Poster Meeting

Centered around 24 member organizations, including special members Sugi Pharmacy Co., Ltd., DUNLOP (company name: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.), Sekisui House, Ltd., and Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, Limited, various companies, NPOs, and individuals working on DE&I will present their practices in poster format.

Practitioners from various fields will share their challenges, trials and errors, and issues in poster format. Furthermore, participants will engage in small-group poster meetings to talk directly based on the posters, fostering dialogue beyond organizational boundaries and titles.

Our consortium is committed to "communication designing" the space for "on-the-ground practice" and "crossover (boundary-crossing)." Please visit this platform of practical knowledge, initiated by Kyoto University together with companies and organizations.

Poster Session Image (from the event held on Friday, June 13, 2025, at Kyoto University)

About the Kyoto University Communication Design and DE&I Consortium

This consortium was established in December 2023 to work on "Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I)" together with member organizations.

With the slogan, "Don't let 'Leave no one behind' end as a mere formality," we are seriously committed to realizing DE&I.

There are still misunderstandings and backlash against DE&I in society. That is precisely why we believe it is crucial to cultivate collective intelligence through steady on-the-ground practice and cross-boundary dialogue among people from diverse positions, rather than letting this be a passing fad.

Based on the knowledge of "Communication Design," supporting the process of "questioning and creating together" where the university and the field intersect—this consortium is a platform for such collective intelligence.

Media Registration & Inquiries

Media registration for this event is accepted. Please log in as a media user to view information for coverage, or contact the following inquiry address.

Contact

Kyoto University Communication Design and DE&I Consortium (Contact: Oyama)

[email protected]

Organizations

Kyoto University Communication Design and DE&I Consortium

Sugi Pharmacy Co., Ltd.

DUNLOP (Company name: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.)

Sekisui House, Ltd.

Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, Limited