On “Kando-ki” (July 2)—the anniversary of the passing of Professor Shigeo Hasegawa, founder and first president of Kyoto Computer College (KCG)—the KCG Group, comprising the Information University Educational Corporation, Kyoto College of Graduate Studies in Information Science (KCGI),Kyoto Information Graduate University (KCGI), KCG, and Kyoto Automobile Technical College (KCGM)—held commemorative events on Friday, July 3, 2026, including a lecture and a visit to his grave.A robotics manufacturer that has signed a partnership agreement with KCGI and KCG,Yoichi Takamoto, Representative Director and Chairman of Temzak Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Kyoto City), delivered a commemorative lecture titled “WORKROID WE CREATE—Shaping the Future with Robots Through New Ideas” in the Grand Hall on the 6th floor of the KCG Kyoto Station Campus and KCGI Kyoto Station Satellite Campus.Students and faculty members listened to Chairman Takamoto, who has been developing new technologies one after another since the dawn of robotics, and paid tribute to the memory of Professor Hasegawa, who also dedicated his life to pioneering education in information processing technology.On this day, we all visited the graves at our family temple, Hyakumanben Chion-ji.A flea market was also held by student volunteers at KCG Kyoto Ekimae Campus.
Professor Shigeo Hasegawa passed away on July 2, 1986, at the age of 56.The year 2026 will mark the 40th anniversary of his death."Kando" is his stage name, meaning "a quiet space for meditation away from the world.
Chairman Takamoto, who delivered the commemorative lecture, is the founder of Temzak, a pioneer in service robot development that handles more than 30 types of practical robots for applications such as mobility, disaster relief, security, nursing care, and medical care.On April 14, 2026, KCGI and KCG signed a comprehensive agreement with Temzak to collaborate on the development of next-generation robots and the promotion of human resource development through the application of ICT.In his speech, Chairman Takamoto stated, “Our company’s goals are to ‘solve labor shortages,’ ‘protect people from disasters,’ ‘ensure food security,’ and ‘protect Japan’s territory.’” He then provided a detailed explanation, accompanied by video footage, of how the company’s robots are being utilized and the status of their development for each of these themes.We also presented our future development plans.After the lecture, a student from KCG’s School of Art and Design asked whether demand for professionals trained in design would increase in the robotics industry. Chairman Takamoto replied, “Just as with automobiles, design will become extremely important.”
Students and faculty members visited Chion-ji Temple in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, after adjusting their schedules to prioritize their lectures and classes.We joined our hands in prayer at his grave, praying for the repose of Professor Shigeo Hasegawa’s soul and for the continued growth of the KCG Group.
At the entrance on the first floor of the KCG Kyoto Station Campus, a group of international students and other volunteers held a flea market, bringing along local specialties and sweets from their respective hometowns.The event featured items rarely seen in Japan and was a vibrant, international gathering filled with smiles.
