Kansai Gaidai Sets the Pace for Global Education

Located in Hirakata City, midway between Kyoto and Osaka, Kansai Gaidai University has a strong history of taking a leadership role in promoting and advancing global education. Founded as a small English school with only eight students in the immediate aftermath of World War II, the founder hoped to create an institution as a means of preventing global tragedies, such as war, from reoccurring. Today, it is regarded as one of the leading universities in Japan with an enrollment of 12,000 students both from home and overseas.

“Nurturing global citizens has always been a core concept of our university’s development,” explains Chancellor Eiko Tanimoto. Since its inception, the university has been actively expanding its international network, which now includes 405 institutions in 55 countries and regions. Through collaborations with those international partners, many innovative study abroad programs have been developed. In addition to one-year student exchange programs, the university offers dual degree study abroad programs as well as overseas internship opportunities. Annually, a total of 1,200 students study abroad, expanding their horizons and accelerating academic and personal growth.

Student exchange is a two way street, of course, and the highly-regarded Asian Studies Program (ASP) has been serving as a platform to accommodate international students since its founding in 1972. The ASP has seen over 20,000 international students come to experience life in Japan, many of whom are now fulfilling the university’s stated aim of making an active contribution to the global community.

Chancellor Tanimoto takes up the thread: “The Asian Studies Program is unique in that it aims to provide well-rounded knowledge about Japan and Asia by offering courses in history, business, pop culture, etc., all taught in English. Another noteworthy feature is that the ASP’s academic calendar follows a typical academic calendar of an overseas institution in the Northern Hemisphere.” Gotenyama Campus Global Town Environments that foster intercultural exchanges Dynamic, student-centered learning Nakamiya Campus.

Dynamic, student-centered learning

Such features, she points out, not only make it easier for international students to come to Ja pan but also help them overcome barriers such as lack of language proficiency. It is no coincidence that many of its alumni, having enjoyed their stint in the country, have gone on to work in Japan itself or for Japanese-affiliated firms after graduation.

Along with the further enhancement of established programs, Kansai Gaidai continues to evolve as an international institution by launching a series of innovative academic degree programs.

The university’s new flagship program, the College of Global Engagement, places a strong emphasis on a multi-disciplinary liberal arts education addressing global issues. The program—offered all in English—invites domestic and international transfer students to study together. The School of English and Digital Communication also opened in 2023 and showcases the university’s mission to meet demands of students and society. “We should further expand our programs with our neighboring countries in Asia,” explains Chancellor Tanimoto. Asia is increasingly recognized as a critical region in global affairs due to its economic growth, political significance and cultural influence.

There is certainly a growing demand for academic programs that offer comprehensive studies on Japan and Asia. The School of Japan and Asian Studies (アジア 共創学科), scheduled to open in 2025, aims to nurture experts in Asia. “The Japanese title, ‘Kyousou,’ symbolizes our hope to create a sustainable scheme in Asia where people work together for the common good of all involved,” elaborates Chancellor Tanimoto. “Human intelligence is now truly being tested, and we need to respond to this challenge.”

Throughout its almost 80 years of history, Kansai Gaidai has been building bridges between languages and cultures, between Japan and the rest of the world. It remains true to its roots today, and with its firm commitment to educational excellence, Kansai Gaidai looks set to secure its sta tus as the University for Global Education for many years to come.