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History of Kyushu University
The history of the University dates back to 1903, when the Fukuoka Medical College was established as the foundation of Kyushu Imperial University. (The college was officially attached to Kyoto Imperial University at that time). Eight years later, in 1911, Kyushu Imperial University with the colleges of Medicine and Engineering was established.
Since then various reforms have been made to the system of higher education in Japan, such as the introduction of a new educational format after WWII and the expansion of faculties and departments on a large scale. Kyushu University now has eleven faculties, consisting of the Faculties of Letters, Education, Law, Economics, Designs, Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmaceutical, Sciences, Engineering, and Agriculture. The total number of students currently amounts to about 18,500 while the faculty members number roughly 4000.
There are also ten Graduate Schools corresponding to the eleven faculties. In addition to these, Kyushu University has the Graduate School of Human-Environment Studies, the Graduate School of Information Science and Electrical Engineering, the Graduate School of Social and Cultural Studies, the Graduate School of Mathematics and the Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Engineering Sciences. Some other new research institutes and facilities have also been completed in the past few years, among which the latest is School of Law opened in 2004.
International exchange programs are also greatly encouraged at Kyushu University. In this regard, our university is now accepting many overseas students each year. At present there are almost 1200 students from more than fifty countries studying here.
A Welcome from the Dean
In our increasingly interconnected and rapidly changing world, young professionals are confronted with a myriad of new challenges. The graduate level programs offered by the Faculty of Law at Kyushu University are specifically designed to offer students the necessary knowledge-base and skills to operate effectively in today’s global environment.
Inaugurated in the fall of 1994, the LL.M. program in International Economic and Business Law was the first such course to be taught entirely in English at a Japanese university. By offering such a course, we were able to remove one of the major obstacles confronting students who wished to study in Japan. The unparalleled success of this program meant that we were able to launch a second LL.M. program in Japanese and Comparative Law, as well as offering students the possibility of completing an LL.D., also conducted entirely in English.
In addition to the law programs, we are also proud to offer students of political science the opportunity of participating in our Comparative Studies of Politics and Administration in Asia (CSPA) program. This program was initiated on a trial basis in 1997, and has developed with tremendous success. It became fully operational in 1999, and has continued to expand. As Director of the Law Faculty’s Research Program, I am particularly keen to emphasize the pioneering nature of the CSPA. Although there has been a great deal of research into Asian economies and area studies, comparative research into politics and administration has been somewhat neglected. The CSPA program is a pioneering step in the latter direction, and provides a gateway for resolving pressing contemporary issues in Asia.
The faculty of Kyushu University is uniquely qualified to offer graduate students a Japanese perspective on the issues that legal practitioners, government administrators and policymakers are confronted with at this time. Professors teaching in the graduate school programs not only have wide range of experiences in academia, but also in the commercial sector, the legal profession, as well as working with international organizations. Moreover, by ensuring that the students selected to participate in the graduate programs are of the highest caliber, Kyushu University is firmly committed to instructing an outstanding group of future leaders. Insofar as the faculty provides a strong and meaningful educational experience, it expects the graduate students to contribute both to the overall quality of the various programs and to the development of strong ties between his or her home country and Japan. In this respect, we hope to lay the foundation today for bridges of cooperation tomorrow.
As Dean of the Faculty of Law, I have been fortunate enough to oversee the remarkable progress made in the development of graduate studies in the fields of international and comparative law, and comparative administration and political science. We are confident that our past efforts will ensure the continuing success of these programs and look forward to welcoming many new generations of international students to our university.
Sincerely,
Professor Shin’ichi NAOE ,
Dean of the Faculty of Law,
Kyushu University
Purpose of the Program
(a) Contemporary Asia and the Establishment of the CSPA
Asian countries, especially in the Newly Industrialized Economies and ASEAN, achieved great economic development, then faced monetary crisis, and finally overcoming it. Thus they have become a central locus of global growth at the turn of the century. In the course of this process, nation-building can be seen as one of the present successes.
However, beyond this successful achievement of nation-building, Asia faces three major challenges. The first is the problem of regional integration. Looking at institutions like ASEAN and APEC, it is clear that management of the international relations of Asian countries has become an urgent theme. In addition to this, a second challenge is redefining the role of national level administrative organization. The third will be deepening democracy at the local level. At various levels important themes are coming to the surface and are interacting. For example, while national-level government has been pursuing growth, the phenomenon of exploding cities is unfolding, with its corresponding implications for government at the local level is unfolding.
What were in the past distinct problems of maintaining political organization and administrative organization, are now being covered under governance theory. There were many cases where government theory was equated only with the formal political system, but greater attention is now being paid in the analysis of Asian politics to how a country is actually ruled and how policy is formulated. These themes treat the international, national and local levels not as separate layers but as interacting components covered by governance theory.
In recognition of this changing context of contemporary Asia, Kyushu University’s Faculty of Law has established a new program, Comparative Studies of Politics and Administration in Asia.
(b) Concepts
If we compare the above three themes, we can develop the following conceptual framework:
●Regional governance theory — studies of Asian regional integration
●National governance theory — comparative theoretical studies of Asian government
and governance
●Local governance theory — comparative studies of theories of Asian urbanization
(1) Regional governance theory
International relations are of rapidly increasing importance in Asia. Because Asia has had a long experience with colonialism, it did not have a developed international network when compared to Europe or America. However, after 1980, both Asian economic development and global movements affecting the area began to lead to remarkable regional integration, as can be seen concretely in the form of ASEAN’s activities, and the creation of APEC. Asia’s regional integration is continuing to deepen. These exercises in regional integration, while touching on Asian comparative government theory, will be studied in historical and structural perspective.
(2) National governance theory
As has already been said, Asian countries have succeeded in nation-building. However, this process resulted in a wide delay in the adjustment of social capital. In terms of the coexistence of the public sector and the private sector, most developed countries have first invested social capital in the public sector. For example, railroads, harbors and roads are all forms of social capital infrastructure.
In contrast, Asian countries have paid more attention to the development of the private sector. As a result, unprecedented economic development occurred; but also as a result, the corresponding adjustments required in public expenditure have been delayed. To give one example, a flood of individual expenditure on cars, without timely provision of public roads, has created violent traffic stagnation in Asia.
With so much attention devoted to nation building up to the present, the importance of the national governance theory should be laid in giving a sound basis for public policy.
(3) Local governance theory
The success of nation-building does not mean that the task of public welfare has been completely accomplished. Along with the public maintenance at national level, local government maintenance is also important. To speak concretely, public services such as public health, water service, sewage, public education, and firefighting are all provided by the local level of government. This means that the maintenance of local government has become another important theme for Asian countries. In addition to public maintenance, the maintenance and expansion of self-governing organizations will become essential for Asia. This point must be kept in mind.
In the present situation, the operations and policies of local government bodies must first develop. The harmonization of local government and its practical operation forms the basis of local governance theory.
(c ) Why study at Kyushu University
These themes of contemporary Asian politics and administration require an integral program of study and analysis to grasp the inter-relationships among various levels. In terms of these ideas, Kyushu University in Fukuoka has the following advantages:
Regional governance theory: Kyushu University’s Faculty of Law has a long tradition of Asian political studies, from the prewar period continuing up to the present day. This tradition includes many regional studies of Asia by such figures as Professor Imanaka Jiro. This rich tradition provides us with strength to make a positive contribution to Asian Studies in the 21st century. Furthermore, Fukuoka City is Japan’s gateway to Asia. Fukuoka has hosted the annual meeting of the Asian Development Bank, the Asian Cities Summit, and is a leader in promoting the establishment of Asian regional integration. Close cooperation between Kyushu University and Fukuoka City will help to positively facilitate studies of Asian regional integration.
National governance theory: With a long tradition of prewar and postwar studies, Kyushu University Faculty of Law has opened many symposia and sponsored collaborative studies with Asian countries, through the support of various Foundations based in Fukuoka City. These include 1992’s Symposium on Peace Studies in Asia; seminars on Japanese politics held in Thailand and Vietnam in 1996, with the support of the International Cooperation Fund; and a collaborative seminar with Shanghai’s Fudan University China on Japan in Asian political theory, which has initiated in 1997. These results make possible the basis for further studies under National Governance theory.
Local governance theory: Although international contributions are typically viewed at the national level, at present there is an increasing role for local government. There is thus a new possibility to focus attention on the public policy contributions of self-governing bodies, and on the creation of new organizations of Asian self-governing bodies, whose importance we cannot neglect. Given that we are moving from the era of national ODA to the era of local ODA, it is important to establish a course that recognizes this shift. Again, Fukuoka has many advantages. Fukuoka’s internationalization policy has been oriented toward Asia and the Pacific, and the city has recently showing a positive interest in the problems of municipal ODA. In addition to the above points, and building a cooperative relationship with Fukuoka City, the faculty is well positioned to search for new directions in understanding local governance. These are some of the merits of Kyushu University’s Faculty of Law.
(d) Students
The program has the purpose of training people of ability who aim to work in Asian local government organizations and as officials in Asian international organizations, and for this purpose supports exchange students from around Asia. However, the program will not be limited to students from Asia, but will also admit European and American students with interest in the above themes. Indeed, if we limit ourselves to Asia, our vision may become too narrow to educate students in a broad way. The focus on the broad themes outlined above is part of the comparative orientation of the program. The program also intends to promote communication among students from various countries and regions, which will also contribute to the comparative perspective. For this purpose, it is expected that the program will admit Asian and non-Asian students in a roughly 2:1 ratio.
Degree
The program will confer upon those who successfully complete all course requirements the Master (Shushi) of Laws as the CSPA course comprises the faculty of law. Successful completion of the program includes both the coursework outlined below and submission of a master thesis reflecting deep understanding of issues involved in comparative studies of politics and administration in Asia.
Curriculum (REFERENCE)
2005 October –2006 February
Modern History of Japanese Political System (Morifumi Kuroki, Shoji Ishikawa)
Seminar on Governance and Global Politics (Machiko Hachiya)
Seminar on Comparative Politics and Administration (Yuzo Yabuno)
Japanese Political Thought in Its Historical Context (Christoph Cszpilman)
Asian Pacific Political Economy (H.P.Lee)
Comparative Analysis of Education Policies and Administration in Asia (Komatsu)
April – July 2006
Modern History of Japanese Political System after Meiji (Shoji Ishikawa)
Korean Politics in Comparative Perspective (Kaoru Izumi)
International Relations in east Asia (H.P.Lee)
Majoritarianism, Proportionalism, and Contemporary Japanese Politics
(Nobuo Okawara)
Energy and Environmental Policy in Contemporary World (Taizo Hayashi)
Politics of Development (Yi, Inaba, Otani)
Note:
1) Workshop on thesis shall be held once a month during the April-July semester, where each student shall make a presentation on his/her thesis. This is compulsory as a part of the thesis.
2) Students may enroll in the LL.M. classes. However, only 2 credits (1 class) for each semester, 4 credits a year as maximum, shall be counted as a CSPA credit.
Japanese Language Courses
International students may participate in the Japanese Language Courses offered as extra-curricular activities at the International Students Center at no extra charge.
Term
The Program will consist of a two-semester, preset program of instruction for two years.
Faculty
The following faculty members will be participating in the Program:
Professor Shoji ISHIKAWA (specialist in political history and peace studies)
Professor Yuzo YABUNO (specialist in comparative political system)
Professor Nobuo OKAWARA (specialist in theory of political process)
Associate Professor OKAZAKI(specialist in political theory)
Associate Professor Kaoru IZUMI (specialist in Korean politics)
Associate Professor H.P.Lee (specialist in the East Asia Relations)
Associate Professor Machiko HACHIYA (specialist in International politics)
Other teaching staff
In addition to the faculty members, professors from other universities and institutes are invited to provide course lectures every year.
Students
Alumni
1999-2000:
Ida Aboughe OBAME (Thames Valley University, London)
Ana Harumi HAYASHIDA (Iberoamerican University)
Yun-Ho HSIEH (University of Victoria)
Sariya CHOTCHAKORNPANT (Thammasat University)
Raheela TAJWAR (Punjab University)
2000-2001:
Dharma Raj ADHIKARI (Tribhuwan University)
Pornthip APISITWASANA (Thammasat University)
Julie Zita Eveline VERHOOGHE (Katholieke Universiteit Leuven)
Guan Shu YANG (Hu Nan University)
2001-2002:
Hans Marc Josse RUBENS (Katholieke Universiteit Leuven)
Malik KUSTERS (Katholieke Universiteit Leuven)
Xinshu DING (Dalian University of Foreign Affairs)
Nargiza Khamitovna LUKMANOVA (Uzbek National University)
Oybek Davudovich MADIYEV (Uzbekistan State World Languages University)
2002-2003:
Asmund EIDE (Victoria University, New Zealand)
Anchalee PAISANVIPATCHAPONG (Thammasat University)
Benjamin R.EDWARDS (Institute of Commonwealth Studies)
Jean-Paul WUYTS (Katholieke Universiteit Leuven)
Abdul KARIM (University of Chittagong)
Nashid R.MONIR (University of Dhaka)
Umidahon B. ASHUROVA (World Languages State University)
2003-2005:
Jiraporn PHORNPRAPHA (Chulalongkorn University)
Angela PINZON (Universidad Pedagogica National de Colombia)
Michael POLLOCK (San Jose State University, USA)
Mujitahid SUBAGYO (Gadjah Mada University)
Hanifah (University of Gunadarma)
Dicky Hadi PRATAMA (Airlanga University)
Zaenatun RAHMANI (Sebelas Maret University)
Gulru ESANOVA (Samarkand State University)
Ulukbek RAKHMANALIEV (Second Tashkent State Medical Institute)
2004-2006:
Fabian RUTHERFORD (Monash University)
Weerapon WONGPAN (Chiang Mai University)
Anvar MIRZATILLAYEV (Tashkent State University of Economics)
Galina ROGOVA (Tula State University)
Arifin (The Institute of Government Studies)
Widia ARIADI (Gadjah Mada University)
2005-2007:
Anaraa MYAMDORJ (Mongolia State Pedagogical University)
Paul Godwin CLAWSON (Berea College, USA)
Bakhrom E.DJURAYEV (University of World Economy & Diplomacy)
Hurshidjon A. TUHTASINOV (Banking and Financial Academy of the Republic of Uzbekistan)
Eligibility
* Please refer to the guideline of the JDS program at first.
The Program is open to applicants with a bachelor’s degree (political science degree or equivalent of social sciences) from an accredited University. All applicants will be expected to have engaged in some form of political study on either the college or graduate level. Strong English ability is a requirement of the Program and proof of English ability may be requested.
