日本大学 客員教授 就任のご挨拶
令和6年４月。このたび日本大学の客員教授を拝命の機会を頂きました。日本大学は、山田顕義氏をはじめとする学者により設立されました日本法律学校（明治22年）を前身とし、その後明治36年に日本大学と改称されました。創立から今日まで、日本大学は130年以上にわたり、数々の卒業生を輩出し、日本の教育の礎として歩み続けてきました。
私は、日本大学第一高等学校、日本大学松戸歯学部、日本大学大学院と歩ませていただき、歯学・医学教育に情熱を注いでまいりました。歯学・医学は基礎研究から臨床など日々飛躍的な発展を遂げています。口腔の健康が免疫反応に及ぼす影響や、全身の健康との関連性や微生物などの全身への影響についての研究が進む中で、ますます歯学、医学、獣医学など医学教育の垣根を越えた研究、教育の高まりの重要性を感じております。
学生時代、日本解剖学会にて「メリテリウム(Moeritherium)臼歯の組織構造(2006)」に関する発表を行った経験は、私にとって貴重な思い出になり、この時に感じた好奇心と学問の広がりを、今後の学生たちにも共有したいと思っております。学生時代に先生方から学ばせて頂いたように、次世代の学生たちにも夢と興味、学問の楽しさを伝えていきたいと存じます。
また、この貴重な機会を通じて、自らの歯学・医学知識の日々の研鑽はもちろんのこと、日本や世界で活躍する学生たちと共に健康に関するさまざまな歯学・医学教育や課題に取り組んでまいりたいと思っております。
このような機会をいただくことができるのも、多くの先生方や両親、そして多くのご縁に恵まれた皆様のおかげです。心より皆様に御礼と感謝申し上げます。
令和6年 4月1日
岡田優一郎
In April 2024, I have been honored with the opportunity to serve as a visiting professor at Nihon University. Nihon University traces its origins back to the establishment of the Japan Law School by scholars such as Akiyoshi Yamada in the year 1889, later renamed Nihon University in 1903. For over 130 years since its founding, Nihon University has continued to produce numerous graduates and has remained a cornerstone of education in Japan.
I have had the privilege of journeying through Nihon University Daiichi Senior High School, Nihon University School of Dentistry at Matsudo, and Nihon University Graduate School, dedicating myself to the field of dental and medical education. Dentistry and medicine have been experiencing rapid advancements from fundamental research to clinical applications. As research progresses on the impact of oral health on immune responses, the correlation with overall health, and the effects of microorganisms on the body, I increasingly recognize the importance of transcending disciplinary boundaries in medical education and fostering collaborative research and education among dentistry, medicine, veterinary medicine, and other related fields.
During my student years, I had the valuable experience of presenting on the topic of “Tissue Structure of Moeritherium Molar Teeth (2006)” at the Japanese Association of Anatomists, which became a cherished memory for me. The curiosity and expansion of knowledge I felt during that time are something I wish to share with future students. Just as I learned from my professors during my student days, I aspire to pass on the dreams, interests, and joys of academia to the next generation of students.
Furthermore, through this invaluable opportunity, I aspire not only to continue honing my knowledge in dentistry and medicine but also to collaborate with students who are actively engaged in addressing various challenges and educational aspects related to health, both in Japan and worldwide.
I am deeply grateful for the chance to embark on such endeavors, which has been made possible through the support and encouragement of numerous teachers, parents, and the many connections I have been fortunate to have. I extend my heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to all.
April 1st, 2024
Yuichiro Okada