Greeting from the Director
Greeting from the director
Kanazawa University International Center for Research and Education of Japan Studies (the Center) was established as the successor to the International Student Center and the Organization of Global Affairs, the University’s former organizations for supporting international students and promoting international academic exchanges. The Center’s objective is to inherit the foundation of international cooperation developed by the two organizations while building new academic frameworks.
The Center will strive to enhance the University’s overall international environment with a focus on promoting Japan studies and Japanese language education and research while facilitating the formation of interdisciplinary research frameworks and international academic networks in the pursuit of intellectual creation and exchange endeavors.
With regard to research activities, we are developing interdisciplinary approaches proactively, with a particular emphasis on going beyond simple analysis of individual events and looking into the target in light of society, culture, history and language in a comprehensive manner. In this context, we are aiming to establish Ishikawa Kanazawa Studies—a discipline of regional studies featuring the historic and cultural characteristics of the city in which the University is based—in a bid to promote the region globally by drawing on its intellectual resources.
In the area of education, we apply research results for practical benefits and uphold the principle of learning the Japanese language through studying about Japan. The above-described approach is characterized by the view that language education and cultural understanding are inseparably linked to each other, based on a multicultural co-learning concept. Taking this approach, we will endeavor to create an educational environment in which learners from different cultural backgrounds can work together in order to develop not only linguistic proficiency, but also academic skills.
Additionally, in view of the social significance of academic research, the Center is collaborating with regional communities. Specifically, based in Kanazawa City and the Hokuriku region, we are organizing plans to build multicultural communities based on Japanese language education and developing activities to contribute to the internationalization of the local society.
The purpose of academic activities is to pursue intellectual exploration ever more deeply in response to the constant changes of the times, seeking to open up new frontiers of wisdom. The Center is committed to its responsibility of creating new trends in Japan studies by utilizing international academic networks, thus contributing to the development of academia and society.
Moving forward, we will work to enhance cooperation with researchers and educational institutions in Japan and elsewhere, as well as with local communities in order to promote intellectual exchanges. Your support and cooperation would be greatly appreciated.
Hiroshi Yamamoto
Director of Kanazawa University International Center for Research and Education of Japan Studies
