Michiki Matsuda (M2) , Department of Urban Engineering, received Excellence Award for Research on International Urban Policies

On 15th November 2025, Michiki Matsuda (M2) , Department of Urban Engineering, received Excellence Award for Research on International Urban Policies.

Excellence Award for Research on International Urban Policies

This award is presented by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) in collaboration with the City Planning Institute of Japan (CPIJ), against the backdrop of the increasing importance of understanding the latest trends in urban policies across various countries, to recognize outstanding research on international urban policies. At the CPIJ 2025 National Conference, nine research papers that passed the preliminary screening were presented, and as a result of the final review, one Grand Prize (Most Excellent Award) and three Excellence Awards were selected.

 About awarded research

“Public and Private Sector Initiatives for Improving Land and Building Cover: Cases from France and the United States” (Michiki Matsuda, Akito Murayama, The University of Tokyo)

As climate change progresses globally, its impacts are manifesting in cities through phenomena like heatwaves and heavy rainfall, making adaptation an urgent matter. One strategy recently gaining attention in Europe and the U.S. is the improvement of “land and building cover.” Specifically, France shows government-led initiatives, including the enactment of laws, while the U.S. demonstrates private sector-led efforts, such as providing information. This research discussed the public and private initiatives concerning the improvement of land and building cover as a climate change adaptation measure in France and the U.S., with a view toward their application in Japanese urban policies.

Your impression & future plan 

It is a great honor to receive such a prestigious award. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Professor Akito Murayama for his kind guidance throughout this research. Going forward, I intend to deepen my understanding of the initiatives in France and the U.S. and continue to explore ways to improve land and building cover in Japan.