The Politecnico di Torino has historically maintained strong ties with Japan , a key country in terms of scientific research and technology , with which Italy shares common challenges such as environmental risk management, the enhancement of historical heritage, issues related to an ageing society, and the development of technologies serving humanity. Moreover, the Politecnico boasts solid relations established through 16 partnerships with prestigious Japanese universities. To consolidate this experience in a stable country with an excellent reputation, the University approved the creation of the PoliTO Japan Hub in 2022.
As the Politecnico’s outpost in the Far East, the Japan Hub is a center aimed at strengthening existing relations with the Land of the Rising Sun and promoting new collaborations in the fields of research, education, and technology transfer. The project’s governance involves the entire university community, with representation from all departments and scientific areas.
Among the scientific fields identified as being of greatest interest are aerospace, biomedical engineering, robotics, materials science, architecture, and earthquake engineering.
As the university’s flagship international project, the Japan Hub was the first Italian university outpost to be established in Japan, originally located in Kyoto. In September 2025 the headquarters were moved to Tokyo.
The Japan Hub:
- Increases interactions with prestigious Japanese universities through expanded exchanges of students, faculty, and visiting professors, as well as by signing new agreements and developing joint research projects and publications;
- Views Japan as an international testing ground for a new educational model that blends polytechnic disciplines with the humanities and social sciences;
- Aims to promote the Politecnico within the local business community, also by offering business matching services, positioning itself as a facilitator and promoter of industrial and entrepreneurial collaborations between Italy and Japan;
- Produces joint position papers and concept studies on strategic topics for both countries, supporting policies in the fields of innovation, planning, and culture;
- Strengthens the university’s brand presence in Japan by showcasing its most significant achievements.
In the framework of Biennale Tecnologia
"Italy-Japan Conversations" is a series of seven dialogues, showing ongoing collaboration on shared challenges, namely: industrial and service robotics, development of new materials, prevention of natural disasters, preservation of landscape heritage, social innovation in rural areas, in urban planning and design.
Developed by Japan Hub@Polito (Curator: Claudia Cassatella), under the Patronage of the General Consulate of Japan in Milan.
