KSU: Building Bridges in Global Education

By Bernard Thompson 

Japanese universities are playing a vital role in revitalizing and internationalizing a country facing questions on how it tackles demographic and economic challenges.  Among the institutions leading this effort is Kyoto Sangyo University (KSU), which, since its founding six decades ago, has risen to the challenge with determination and innovation.

"Japan’s population decline will result in labor force shortages," acknowledges KSU’s president, Akira Kurosaka, who is more than aware of the government's response, which involves welcoming in 400,000 foreign students with hopes they will contribute to the workforce post-graduation. He highlights that the integration of international and Japanese students is key and a cornerstone of KSU's strategy.

"Great results are achieved when Japanese and international students study together," Mr. Kurosaka says. "If foreign students come to love Japanese culture and the community, they may eventually want to work here." 

This blend of cultures not only enriches the learning environment but also supports Japan’s broader goals of cultural assimilation and workforce integration. The idea, therefore, is to combat the looming shortages, and potentially this will require an educational overhaul.

International House (i-House) - The International House dormitory was established to enhance students’ study and cross-cultural exchange experiences through sharing of accommodation and everyday life with fellow students from around the world. Various events are organized by students throughout the year, including welcome and farewell parties, Tanabata parties, Christmas parties, birthday parties, dance parties, a stall for the annual university festival, cooking classes and communal dinners. Students may also participate in events run in conjunction with Kyoto City and other universities in the city.

"It is important to improve the quality of university education so that international students completing their courses in Japan are able to use artificial intelligence and digital technologies, which will allow them to greatly contribute to raising workforce productivity," the president says.

By enhancing these academic standards, especially in technological fields, the belief is that universities can better prepare all students for the demands of the modern economy. And while the country has much to offer new arrivals, there are certainly some language considerations to be made.

"Japan is one of the safest countries in the world," Mr. Kurosaka states. "This is an essential factor in why foreigners choose to come here. But once they arrive, they will understand that it can be very difficult to live here without speaking Japanese. We must set up an environment in which those from abroad can quickly learn our language."

Global Commons - The KSU "Global Commons" (GC) provides space and opportunity for students to cultivate a global mindset. Students can deepen their understanding of different cultures and acquire real communicative language skills. The GC offers fun activities such as a communication lounge and various workshops. International students are always welcome to join the lounge and share their study abroad experiences.

Synergies with authorities is another key aspect of the holistic picture and government initiatives to bolster university capabilities are now neatly aligning on science and technology.

"The government’s policies are highly significant," says the KSU president, who advocates for broader educational reforms that include better representation and opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields for all genders. "They are focusing on increasing the number of students studying in science departments. Half of the population is female, so if more female students study in science-related departments, the talent pool for the subject will increase."

KSU is not merely adapting to these changes, but actively seeking to lead by enhancing its international profile. It is currently in the process of getting certification to develop native teachers of Japanese as a foreign language, for example, demonstrating the university’s commitment to making its programs more accessible to international students. There is also integration beyond the classroom, with programs not only taking place on campus. "We want our students to learn in real life as well, so we place great emphasis on community-based studies," explains the president.

Buddy - KSU arranges volunteer buddies to aid exchange students in settling into their new lives in Japan and to assist them with their studies. Buddies are initially asked to assist for the first two months after the exchange student’s arrival, after which time continuing to meet is the decision of the exchange student and tutor.

All these efforts have seen KSU continue its ascent up the ranks in educational excellence, currently positioned in the top 15 percent of Japanese universities and 325th among over 70,000 institutions across Asia. With a robust library housing over one million books and the iconic Koyama Hall, which seats 1,600 attendees for various events, KSU's resources are impressive. The university is also home to one of Japan's largest reflecting telescopes, housed at the Koyama Space Science Institute, a result of the work started by founder Dr. Toschima Araki, who was a very prominent astrophysicist himself.

The university's academic output is notable, particularly in engineering and computer science, with over 2,000 publications and 30,000 citations in the former, and more than 1,800 publications with over 20,000 citations in the latter. Among its distinguished alumni are Nobel prize-winning Toshihide Maskawa, professor emeritus Kiyoshi Oka, a renowned mathematician, and Noriko Wakihama, both a TV anchor and a tenured professor.

Given that it was founded 59 years ago—–with just two departments and fewer than 1,000 students—–KSU’s growth, despite the demographic challenges mentioned, targets a place in the top 10 percent of Japanese universities.

KSU can also boast two specialized research units: the Institute for Criminal Justice and the Institute for World Affairs, which contribute to Japan's reputation for safety through innovative research in cyber security and defense studies. By concentrating on these strategic areas, the university not only enhances its academic profile but also strengthens its societal impact, paving the way for future growth and international recognition, including linking up with businesses and other educational institutions.

"University-industry collaboration is crucial," highlights Mr. Kurosaka. "Collaborating with industries as well as the community is very important. Our Faculty of Information Science and Engineering has excellent programs and a great reputation, especially in the area of information communication.

"Having partnerships with other universities is also key. I want our students to work globally with non-governmental organizations, for example, so that they can become able to contribute to international society." 

To hear more from President Akira Kurosaka of Kyoto Sangyo University, check out this interview with him