School of Asia 21

Kokushikan University has launched a new school to deepen mutual understanding with other Asian societies, transcending conventional frameworks to respond to the globalization of Asia.

Since its founding, Kokushikan University has viewed other Asian societies as important partners for cooperation, promoting the spirit of mutual understanding, coexistence, and cultural relativism. The School of Asia 21 was established in 2002, aiming to embody its founding spirit in a contemporary context based on a new concept of education. The school aims to broaden students' understanding of different cultures, nurture individual talents capable of transcending societal boundaries, and enable them to play significant roles in the global community. For international students, we offer small-scale Japanese language classes across various proficiency levels and courses for those aspiring to teach Japanese. International students also have opportunities to interact with local communities.

We aim at practical, experience-based education in Asian studies. We train talented individuals to understand the 21stcentury Asia and to take global job opportunities.

In the School of Asia 21, the first year is spent building overall understanding of contemporary Asian societies, while in the second year students select one of the three specialized courses of study: the Asia Society Course, the Asia Business Course, or the Asia Culture Course. The school emphasizes on pragmatic disciplines, and its educational methods are creative and innovative. In order to enhance our unique education, a variety of fieldwork, internship training programs in Japan and overseas, and volunteer work are duly integrated into the curriculum. Learning does not take place only in the classroom. Our students visit other countries, and gain direct, personal, hands-on feeling of Asia’s dynamism to learn the actual realities of politics, economics, and cultures on the streets. The School of Asia 21 trains people who can be active in any type of public institutions from international organizations to local governments, individuals equipped with acute business sense, and individuals good at cultural exchange.

The 21st century is often referred to as the Asian century. The School of Asia 21 therefore offers three distinct courses, each focusing on a unique aspect of Asia: the Sports and Culture Course, the Japan and Asian Regions Course, and the Business Design Course. The Sports and Culture Course covers subjects related to international cultural exchange, NGO activities, and various aspects of Asian societies and cultures, addressing a wide range of contemporary academic needs. The Japan and Asian Regions Course covers a variety of coursework on contemporary Asian cultures, sports, history, and cultural heritage, all essential for understanding the past, present, and future of Asia. The Business Design Course provides a wide range of practical business subjects essential for navigating modern business environments.