GIGAKU is a term composed of two Japanese word-roots; GI （技）and GAKU（学）. The word GI〔技〕literally stands for all kinds of arts and technology, and GAKU〔学〕stands for scientific disciplines in general when used as a suffix. Therefore, GIGAKU is "Science of Technologies". GIGAKU elucidates the rules that govern the engineering technologies through scientific methods to create innovation of technology, new industries and innovative human resources. The term was originally coined to describe the fundamental philosophy of education and research of Nagaoka University of Technology (NUT) when it was established in 1976.

Nagaoka is the birthplace of the legendary tale “One hundred sacks of rice”, which tells how the people of the city gave the highest priority to education even in the midst of hard time. The spirit of this tale is still giving encouragements to all people in the city.

The organizers sincerely hope that the International GIGAKU Conference will offer a venue where all GIGAKU practitioners (young and old, coming from different corners of the world but sharing a common dream for GIGAKU) can meet together, strengthen their ties and cross-fertilize each other’s imaginations and make further steps toward the realization of their dreams. The International GIGAKU Conference in Nagaoka (IGCN) is designed and organized to provide a cross-border, cross-sector, cross-disciplinary forum for those researchers, educators and industrial leaders who are creating and practicing GIGAKU.

The organizers hope to discuss " The Future of GIGAKU Education " in the plenary session and Education Session. And we hope that this discussion will bring fruitful result even in the unprecedented pandemic, and fight to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic together.

Organizing committee Chair and President of Nagaoka University of technology:

Dr. Shigekharu KAMADO