About Prof. Michelle Kawamura:
Michelle Kawamura is a professor at the School of Economics at Ritsumeikan University, Japan. She holds a doctoral degree in Education with a focus on materials development. Her research interests include cross-cultural relationships and the use of technology to facilitate language and cultural learning. She has conducted several collaborative research projects with universities abroad, using technology as a means of communication to study changes in students’ motivation to use a foreign language when given the opportunity, as well as their language proficiency after the research period. Currently, she teaches socio-economic issues and cultures in English to university students, with the aim of exposing them to different social and cultural issues internationally, broadening their perspectives, and fostering critical thinking skills. She believes that critical thinking is an essential skill for all individuals. At this conference, she will discuss the new technology “Chat bot” in education, including its advantages and disadvantages, and how teachers can guide students to use this technology in an ethical manner to enhance their learning experience.
Welcome Message from Prof. Michelle Kawamura
Welcome to the 2026 Joint International Conference of ICBMSS, ICSSB, ISBENS, and ISEAS here in vibrant Osaka, Japan. Osaka is known for many great things from its rich cultural heritage and worldclass cuisine to its dynamic urban energy and warm hospitality. Every year, over 11 million tourists travel here to experience its historic landmarks, bustling shopping districts, and the unique blend of tradition and innovation that defines this city.
Osaka is located in the heart of the Kansai region, surrounded by culturally significant prefectures such as Kyoto, Hyogo, and Nara. This central location makes it an ideal gateway for exploring western Japan and deepening your understanding of its diverse history, architecture, and customs. While you are here, I encourage you to visit iconic sites such as Osaka Castle, Dotonbori, and the Umeda Sky Building, as well as neighboring destinations like the temples of Kyoto and the port city of Kobe.
It is my great pleasure to welcome scholars, educators, students, and professionals from a wide range of fields to gather here and share knowledge, exchange experiences, and build meaningful connections for future collaboration, innovation, and global impact.
Thanks to the tireless efforts of our conference organizers, committee members, and each of you, this event has come to life. Together, we will explore several pressing issues of our time:
Data Privacy in the Digital Age.
As we all know, digital advancement has brought immense convenience to our lives in education, communication, healthcare, finance, and so much more. Our pace of learning and working has accelerated to levels previously unimaginable. Yet, this convenience also brings new challenges: the erosion of personal boundaries, the risk of data breaches, and growing concerns over surveillance and ethical use of information.
Climate Change and Corporate Social Responsibility
Climate change stands as one of the defining challenges of our era, reshaping ecosystems, economies, and societies across the globe. In this context, businesses are no longer seen only as drivers of profit but as crucial actors in advancing sustainability. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has evolved into a necessary commitment, demanding that organizations align growth with environmental stewardship. Yet, with every pledge and initiative, important questions remain: How far can corporations go in reducing their carbon footprint? Can economic success be balanced with genuine sustainability? And how can we ensure that corporate promises lead to lasting impact for future generations?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning are rapidly transforming the way we work, learn, and connect. Their applications span across industries—enhancing decision-making, streamlining operations, and opening new frontiers of innovation. This acceleration brings opportunities for greater efficiency and insight, but it also introduces new challenges: the ethical use of algorithms, the potential for bias, and the need to balance automation with human judgment. The promise of AI and ML lies not only in their capacity to solve problems at scale but also in how responsibly we guide their development for the benefit of society.
Sustainable Development and Environmental Engineering
Sustainable development and environmental engineering are at the forefront of addressing the urgent challenges of our time, from climate change and resource depletion to urbanization and ecosystem preservation. Engineering solutions now play a pivotal role in creating resilient infrastructure, clean energy systems, and efficient resource management strategies. While innovation drives progress, it also brings the responsibility to ensure that development meets the needs of the present without compromising the future. The intersection of sustainability and engineering highlights how thoughtful design, technology, and policy can work together to foster a more equitable and environmentally conscious world.
This conference will shed light on these critical issues through diverse research and perspectives from institutions and regions around the world. We hope it will spark dialogue, inspire solutions, and empower us all to navigate the digital future with wisdom and integrity.
Once again, welcome to Osaka, and welcome to the 2026 Joint International Conference of ICBMSS, ICSSB, ISBENS, and ISEAS. Let’s make this a memorable and transformative experience together.
