I. Vision
Hitotsubashi University specializes in the humanities and social sciences, subsuming fields such as management, finance, economics, law, and international relations. Through quality education and research, the University has nurtured leading personnel and contributed to the development of a society with liberal political and socioeconomic systems. Since its establishment, the university has produced numerous prominent individuals who are active in business and society in Japan and abroad. Drawing on the university’s history and accomplishments, Hitotsubashi has promoted the study of leading-edge social science research expected to be in demand in the 21st century. As an education and research center of worldwide focus, the University aims to provide theoretical and practical solutions to important issues shared by Japan, Asia, and other countries. In order to realize these aims, Hitotsubashi is pursuing three missions:
- Exploring and creating new areas within the social sciences
- Making intellectual and practical contributions to Japan and abroad
- Nurturing intellectually advanced individuals, innovators, and political and economical leaders
Hitotsubashi strategically focuses on Asian Studies in the context of a global society, and places importance on the future vision for regional unity in Asia, as is emphasized in the well-known “Concept of an East Asian Community.” To realize this vision, the former International Joint Research Center was restructured and new networks at home and abroad (e.g., the EUIJ Tokyo Consortium and the Hitotsubashi Beijing Office) were established.
Within the areas of education, research, and contributions to society reside the concepts of cross-cultural interface, international understanding, and international cooperation. Hitotsubashi needs to emphasize the “mobility” aspect of these concepts rather than the “exchange” aspect to create an infrastructure for a broader, more highly-focused intellectual dynamism. Openness of intelligence, mobility of intelligence, and accessibility of intelligence are the most important functions that are required of universities by societies and the times. By endeavoring to realize these functions, the University aims to reaffirm its awareness of its responsibility as an “Intellectual Power House”, and to strengthen its international reputation.
In order to strengthen its position as a “World-class Intellectual Power House,” Hitotsubashi University has created the following international strategic guidelines:
A Powerhouse of Governance:
- The Office for the Promotion of International Relations (hereafter called “OPIR”): Reforming the University into a flexible organization
- Fostering world-class staff
- Strengthening overseas PR and building the “Hitotsubashi University” brand name
- Promoting campus internationalization
- Developing a “safety abroad” system
A Powerhouse of Research Activities:
- Promoting the International Strategic Concepts in research activities
- Expanding international research networks
- Enhancing the International Joint Research Center
- Promoting organic cooperation among research institutes on campus
- Extending the global reach of research activities
- Implementing a “one-stop service” for international programs
A Powerhouse of Educational Activities:
- Improving international recognition and commonality in education
- Developing study abroad programs for Japanese students
- Enriching programs for incoming international students
- Collaborating with domestic and foreign higher education institutions
- Sharing knowledge with, and interacting with local communities